power steering problem- help

[ajohn28]

I drive a 2000 328i with 90000 miles on it. On Thursday I heard the power steering fluid noise- loud groans, popping, and a slight grinding feel in the wheel. I purchased Castrol Dexron III ATF and filled the Power Steering reservior to the specified fill... problem solved? Not really. Tonight (Saturday night) the noise came back. I checked the reservior and it is bone dry again. I have owned the car for almost 6 months now, no problem until now.

Oddly, I park in the same place at home and at work each day and I see no signs of leakage.

What is the problem and how much will this cost me?

Thanks for your help!

Aaron

[Sk1d]

If there's definitly no sign of a leak or PAS oil hitting the floor, have a look under the car at the 2 steering rack gaitors. The internal seals in the rack might have blown and the oil might be leaking into the rack gaitors which is why there's no visible leak. If it has, the rack gaitors should be swollen n leaking slightly. Hope this isnt the case because a rack can be quite expensive...

Might be worth a look tho...

[ajohn28]

Since I last posted there is one leak spot realistically on my driveway.
It is about 6 inches in diameter. I found it about two days ago and have found nothing since. Does this change the fact that the rack is suspect?

Thanks for the reply, sk1d. I appreciate it. will follow-up upon inspection.

[Furious]

can you get under the car? always check the hoses first , bmw's have notriously bad hose clamps. pending that it is time to park under a piece of cardboard.