PDA

View Full Version : What is this canister for, 91 M5?


MmmPowwa
04-19-2004, 10:46 AM
Behind the driver's side light is a big black canister, and its leaking, its got red fluid, its the size of a coffee can. Is it brake fluid? clutch fluid? please help, its leaking from the bottom, does anyone know what it is and how much it costs?
big3-5
04-19-2004, 06:11 PM
It sounds like the Power Steering Fluid Resivoir. I don't own an M5, so I don't know for sure, but your description (red fluid) points to it. The PS system uses ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Check your owners manual for specific type of ATF to use. It is probably leaking from one of the hoses that runs out of the bottom. If the hose is defective, replace it with OEM, or take the hose to a hydraulic shop to have them replicate a new one.
Brandon J
04-19-2004, 06:15 PM
Behind the driver's side light is a big black canister, and its leaking, its got red fluid, its the size of a coffee can. Is it brake fluid? clutch fluid? please help, its leaking from the bottom, does anyone know what it is and how much it costs?

It is the power steering resovoir. The same fluid is also used for the rear hydraulic shocks. Sometimes it leaks because the accumulators to the rear shocks push the fluid back to the resovoir, causing it to overflow. Check if it overflowing. IF not, then change the hoses.
Mblaster
04-19-2004, 07:45 PM
Yep its the steering res. Where is it leaking from?
MmmPowwa
04-19-2004, 11:32 PM
i think one of the hoses on the bottom is leaking. if the car is on an incline, it leaks down the front of the bumper too.
Gop-Dogg
04-20-2004, 12:28 AM
Power steering reservour (sp?). Odd that the fluid is red, though? Pentosin 7.1 is green. Check your owners manual. Do not use ATF if your car has the rear SLS shocks.

The red color suggests to me that you (or whoever last replaced the fluid) used ATF. :nono
MmmPowwa
04-23-2004, 11:40 AM
how do i find out if my car has the SLS shocks, what are they exactly?
Mblaster
04-23-2004, 02:30 PM
Self Leveling Suspension. Commonly found on the M5 and Tourings. By the rear end you will see a canister that actuates the shocks pumping them full of fluid when the load increases. There will be lines taking that fluid to the shocks. Unless they've been replaced the shocks are probably sweating or leaking fluid by now. If they have been replaced that actuator has been plugged, lines removes, proper sport shocks installed. Thus making the cars suspension like a 535.