Power steering fluid - BMW Forum

TMac325is · 05-14-2004, 06:57 PM

damn, i found out where the cap is to check the power steering fluid, how in the world are you suppose to get to that thing, its practically under everything

my steering has been pretty stiff, and sometimes i hear a bit of a gargling sounds when i turn the car off, i assume its the power steering

but is there any easier way of getting to that cap?

dutchbmw · 05-15-2004, 09:42 AM

When the power steering unit needs oil, there is something wrong in this system. Maybe there is a leaking connection or a bad steering house.

007ben · 05-15-2004, 10:00 AM

the bubbly liquid noise is most likely the radiator/coolant tank/cooling system.

TMac325is · 05-15-2004, 12:43 PM

just needed coolant, and the steering fluid is fine

the steering isnt unbearably stiff, but i think it could use some tightening on that v-belt or whatever the hell its called

maybe its just me, but after driving the 3 series, the ford explorer's steering seems extremely loose

007ben · 05-15-2004, 01:13 PM

ya many other steerings seem very detached after driving a BMW... not enough feedback...

camnipotent · 05-15-2004, 01:49 PM

That's the first thing I noticed as well. I would have the V belt checked. The tightening may solve the problem.

Kevin325i · 05-15-2004, 02:39 PM

Is that the little thing below the air box that says ATF fluid only? Or is that the tranny fill? I found it today and i was like

Kevin

TMac325is · 05-15-2004, 02:59 PM

yeah thats it

i was thinking ATF was auto tran fluid, then i realized my car was manual

but the diagram in the book says thats where it is, and the fluid is purple, so that is the power steering

its an akward place to put the cap

Kevin325i · 05-15-2004, 06:34 PM

Take the air box out, it's super easy to access then. The air box is really easy to take out too. Just a couple nuts on the side and some snap clips on the MAF sensor.

Kevin

GreenMachine · 05-28-2004, 08:51 AM

When p/steering fluid is low, will it make a "whining" noise??

kjlbryan · 05-28-2004, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GreenMachine@May 28 2004, 09:31 AM
When p/steering fluid is low, will it make a "whining" noise??

YES... it's a pain isint it!...

My PS fluid is leaking also.. but i dont find the reservoir extremely hard to get to... i just stick my hand in there and unscrew it.. then i use a Cardboard Roll (the ones that you get when you finish a DOWNY roll) to pour in the ATF fluid..

I use Dextron-Micron III ATF fluid... that's the recommended ATF i believe...

James