Power Steering box leak - BMW Forum

joedir · 10-25-2007, 05:14 PM

I just bought a 1994 540i ( my first BMW ) and the front of the power steering box is leaking at the connection point of the steering column and box. its obvious after cleaing it up a bit. Dont want to try to use stop leak, maybe prior owner did, but do not think I can remove at seal with out help.
Lastly, I am assuming I need to use the pen...someting fluid since my cap does not say use ATF fluid. thanks alot in advace for anyone with info.

joedir · 10-30-2007, 09:02 PM

anyone know how to confirm the type of power steering fluid my 1994 540i should take? Dealer and rack manufacturer can not tell me? Have a plastic resivor with cap marked ZF.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 10-30-2007, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joedir

anyone know how to confirm the type of power steering fluid my 1994 540i should take? Dealer and rack manufacturer can not tell me? Have a plastic resivor with cap marked ZF.

does it cap say atf on it?

joedir · 10-31-2007, 08:31 AM

the cap says ZF on top in that little circle area, it does not say anything about AFT. thanks.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 10-31-2007, 03:45 PM

sry spaced on the frist post i'll talk to my bud at allison bmw

joedir · 10-31-2007, 03:56 PM

no problem. i did verify it is CHF 7.1 and flushed with it. I was mistaken when I said the prior owner used ATF, he used Lucas instead. The CHF is leaking out like a seive and Lucas will not stop up the leak. Guess I should have checked the PS fluid before buying it. Got stuck with someone elses problem.
thanks for the replys anyway.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 10-31-2007, 04:01 PM

... that sucks all cars have there negatives and do you mean the pump or the Actual steering box.....

joedir · 10-31-2007, 04:05 PM

the steering box, behind the seal where the column attaches with the universal joint

AlpineSixAndSeven · 10-31-2007, 04:07 PM

that sucks thats a pricy fix but these 540's are worth it arn't they... the things we do for our cars....

joedir · 10-31-2007, 04:15 PM

yea, any tips on removing that gearbox? looks like alot of parts are going to have to be removed. I will get the old one out and search out another one once I get some numbers off of it

AlpineSixAndSeven · 10-31-2007, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joedir

yea, any tips on removing that gearbox? looks like alot of parts are going to have to be removed. I will get the old one out and search out another one once I get some numbers off of it

Re: update :
BMW Steering Rack FAQ's: BMW Power Steering Rack and Pinion gear, remanfactured rack, BMW auto parts, ZF power steering rack and pinion gear
http://www.zf.com/na/defaultz.asp

joedir · 11-01-2007, 08:27 AM

thanks again for the tips and leads. I appreciate it.

AlpineSixAndSeven · 11-02-2007, 04:27 AM

some are for racks though.....