Any known power steering leak areas?? [Archive] - Bimmerforums

slevy951

11-20-2009, 05:41 PM

I've discovered quite a significant power steering leak. I'm not sure where it is but I'm topping off the reservoir every few weeks. I've had it in the air and there is fluid everywhere and identified one hose leaking but I think there is more. Any known areas of leaking would be great for me to pin this down.

TIA,
Scott

chris33

11-20-2009, 07:44 PM

All of the hoses. Common issue with these cars.

01sport

11-20-2009, 07:48 PM

The most common leak is from the high pressure hose between the PS pump and the steering box. Most guys just replace all the hoses at the same time. One leak point often over looked is the reservoir cap. There is an o-ring on the cap that sometimes needs replacement.

Oboyco

11-20-2009, 10:06 PM

For mine it was, the return low pressure line from the box where the stell line goes to the rubber line, leaking badly. Did a quick fix and cut the steel line and used a hose clamp to the rubber. I need to replace the low pressure line from the resevoir to the radiator now.

Will do (get the part) on my next order to Pelican.

slevy951

11-20-2009, 10:33 PM

I know box to cooler is leaking at the rubber fitting to the cooler. I have that hose. $45 from my local supplier. But I think I have bigger problems. Investigating tomorrow morning. Will update.

BTW, just watched the new Star Trek movie. FANTASTIC!

7series98

11-20-2009, 10:58 PM

I am having this problem now. I fill it up and within 30 minutes it is all gone. Now my driveway is covered with ATF, and it looks horrible.

4liter

11-20-2009, 11:14 PM

My high pressure hose ($$$) went and it was a bitch to change. E38.com many thanks!!!

slevy951

11-20-2009, 11:42 PM

I am having this problem now. I fill it up and within 30 minutes it is all gone. Now my driveway is covered with ATF, and it looks horrible.

ATF? Isnt' that wrong fluid? My source says Pentosin, whatever that is. Mine is pouring red fluid suggesting someone before me filled with ATF.

IcemanBHE

11-21-2009, 02:42 AM

Some are ATF. Some are Pentosin. Depends on the year and options of the car. Dont mix n match.

anaElBasha

11-21-2009, 03:28 AM

I used ATF on my car only to find out 2 hours later that my high pressure hose is gone (It needed Pentosin), replacing it is easy if you have the right tools.

Splitdog

11-21-2009, 03:32 AM

Pentosin if you have the rear SLS option. Tranny fluid otherwise. Right Edwin?

IcemanBHE

11-21-2009, 03:33 AM

The cap says....

Edwin NL

11-21-2009, 05:16 AM

Pentosin if you have the rear SLS option. Tranny fluid otherwise. Right Edwin?

What I have seen on US cars is IL's use Pentosin and I's ATF 2D or 3

The high-pressure hose causes a quick and fast leak.

The 2 hoses from the tank to the pump and radiator are $65 together.
The High pressure hose $115 from Max

If you start this job (if the high pressure is leaking) I would consider to replace all 4 while your at it

slevy951

11-21-2009, 05:42 AM

.
The High pressure hose $115 from Max

Max???

Edwin NL

11-21-2009, 05:50 AM

www.oembimmerparts.com

slevy951

11-21-2009, 09:07 AM

Thanks Edwin....

How do we tell what fluid to use? I looked in my manual and all it says under the power steering section is to see my dealer. My cap only says ZF and 'PA6'.....

Edwin NL

11-21-2009, 11:37 AM

you have a 00 sport so ATF 2d or 3 will do.

It does say ATF on your cap

7series98

11-21-2009, 11:42 AM

If you have self leveling then it will use Pentosin, if not ATF (automatic transmission fluid).

slevy951

11-21-2009, 01:30 PM

Thanks guys....

I had to ask because it doens't say on my cap. Obviously, the resevoir has been replaced before me. I'm finding quite a bit of that and it hasn't been done right. Arrrghhh.

slevy951

11-24-2009, 02:14 PM

Well, I replaced the top hose to the cooler. Cooler end to hard pipe only. Just the rubber. It seemed to be leaking at the crimp. Also found when I got in there the clamp to the hard pipe was quite loose. I pulled the rubber off the hard pipe without taking that clamp off!. New hose in place and all seems well right now.

Thanks for everyone's help.....

Scott

ehizon

12-08-2009, 09:41 PM

slevy951

12-08-2009, 10:09 PM

Supered M

12-08-2009, 11:15 PM

Can anyone help me figure out what's going on in my car. I'm joining the club...;)

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1357313

ehizon

12-09-2009, 12:03 AM

On the resevoir end? Did you tighten those hose clamps?

yes i checked the clamps, theyre tight.

Edwin NL

12-09-2009, 04:41 AM

Hello

I have this problem. what causes it? is it simply becuase the hoses are weak and need replacement overtime?

Where can i buy both hoses? (reservoir in and reservoir out)

the leak is evident on both hoses originating from the reservoir.

See my reply in below post

Can anyone help me figure out what's going on in my car. I'm joining the club...;)

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1357313

I answered there

ehizon

12-09-2009, 07:45 PM

thanks for pointing me to the right direction.

im planning to replace part 1 and 21, do i need other parts to get these replaced so it can take care of the leak?

Edwin NL

12-10-2009, 05:05 AM

I would get new clamps, washers and rubbers

slevy951

12-10-2009, 06:03 AM

2, 16, 4 you'll want also....

ehizon

12-10-2009, 04:53 PM

Thanks everyone for the help.

It is evident that the leak is originating right in where the 2 hoses connect with the reservoir...

ehizon

12-19-2009, 09:05 PM

here is an update. i did replace the 2 hoses that connect to the reservoir, along with the washers and rings. no leaks so far. hope this has fixed the problem. thanks everyone!

Skinny Puppy

12-19-2009, 10:29 PM

Now I hear you cant put ATF in a Pentosin pump, but can you Put Pentosin in a ATF pump? If you get what im saying there. I realize damage occurs from ATF in the system. Will pentosion damage an ATF system? sorry to take it off topic but damn I wanna know!

ehizon

12-27-2009, 04:46 PM

Im back, looks like i found another leaky hose. this time its hose #8 in the diagram below.

After replacing hoses 1 and 21, it was evident that there are no more leaks originating from connections in the reservoir. but there was a constant leak coming from hose #8, specifically between the rubber and steel portion of the hose.

first i wiped it clean, then turned the wheel many times then the leak starts.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/l/q/110.pnghttp://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=GG83&mospid=47528&btnr=32_0694&hg=32&fg=20

http://www.bmwpartsweb.com/images/products/32411093129-CODAN.jpg

is this also a common problem? is this harder to replace compared to hoses 1 and 21?

do you think i should also replace #5?

IcemanBHE

12-27-2009, 07:08 PM

They all can leak. So is it common? Depends. lol

I would replace it and see if 5 leaks. This is chasing the weakest link.

ehizon

12-27-2009, 10:04 PM

youre right, its chasing the weakest link.

so far i have not seen any trace of leak coming from #5. but then that leaks after #8 is replaced, i will not be surprised.

Edwin NL

12-28-2009, 03:21 AM

LOL, once they go they all go

740R1

12-28-2009, 03:51 AM

Hey Edwin, or anyone else that can help, when i first drive my car the steering is really smooth. But the longer i drive it the stiffer it gets. Any ideas?

Thanks:D

Edwin NL

12-28-2009, 06:40 AM

could be the servotronic module, a flush of the oil could help

ehizon

12-29-2009, 02:43 AM

dear oh dear....
another leak came, another weak spot. this time its form the hoses connecting the PS pump.

i have replaced hose #1 in the diagram above but not #5. now im going for both #5 and #8

Edwin NL

12-29-2009, 03:06 AM

told you :D once the first goes the all go in a month

ehizon

12-29-2009, 04:03 AM

Hi Edwin, as you requested on the other thread, here are photos showing the leak areas.

This can be used also for future reference.

Please take a look at the top photo. the leak is accumulating and dripping from part #1, which was just recently replaced.

Part #5 by the way it appears sugests that it is leaking very badly.

could it be that the fluid is sliding from part #5 down to part #1, and also dripping directly below to the black hose underneath? i just want to be certain that part #1 is not leaking because this was just recently replaced.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m61/ehizon/bmwleak.jpg

Edwin NL

12-29-2009, 05:03 AM

those hoses are NOT leaking!!!

Change 21 and 1 from the canister this will solve the issues!!

The rest is just oil the is running down from above hoses!

This a a classic E38 problem

ehizon

12-29-2009, 06:41 PM

i just recently changed 21 and 1. no trace of leak from there.

Edwin NL

12-30-2009, 03:57 AM

your pic shows 21 to be leaking, are you sure it's PS oil?

ehizon

12-30-2009, 11:50 AM

thanks for noticing, i very much welcome your opinion based upon your extensive experience.

yes it looks like the leak is coming straight from 21 but right above it is 5. from my judgement the fluid leaking from 5 slides down to 21 making it look like its coming from 21

21 was replaced about 3 weeks ago. im quite certain its PSF as it is red in color when it dripped over a white cardboard.

if it was 21, could it be that it was not mounted properly? it had new washers between it

anyhow i am having another person have a look it to get a second opinion

Edwin NL

12-30-2009, 12:36 PM

if it is #5 then the fluid should spray out, it's a high power hose.

good luck and keep us posted

ehizon

12-30-2009, 01:15 PM

i see. thanks for the tip. ill keep you posted. i have scheduled with the mech but i think it will be sometime next year.

Happy New Year to all

ehizon

01-08-2010, 05:08 PM

havnt takent the car to the mech. will post update once its done

question: will there be an adverse effect if the reservoir was overfilled with ATF?