Power steering fluid leak

[shotgun]

I noticed a puddle of power steering fluid under my '94 530i but I can't seen to locate the exact origin. From under the car the fluid looks to be coming from the top side of the steering gearbox. I don't have a good visual of the hoses going into the top of the box so I'm not sure if they are junked or I have a gearbox seal problem.

Also, the pump seems to be acting up. It will make a 3 second ratteling noise every 45 sec as it pumps fluid. After the 3-seconds it will stop with a clunk. What the heck is this and could this have caused the leakage?

FYI the cap calls for CHF11 Hydraulic not 7.5.

BimmerForums is awesome, I just wish my first thread would have been a positive one.

Thanks in advance

[shotgun]

Well, I think I determined that it is a leak in the hose. However, the steering box looks like a PITA to get to. I found a good "how to" reference for pulling the steering box. I'm hoping it turns out to be a hose clamp rather than the hose.
Anyone have any experience or advice on the hoses or pump??

[supark]

most likely the leak is coming from the send/return rubber hoses that attach to the power steering fluid reservoir. BMW uses these crappy crimp type hose clamps that eventually lose tension and allow the hoses to leak. Most likely the hoses are in decent shape - you'll just need to replace the hoses with quality screw type ones. You can just shave off a bit of the ends of the rubber hoses if the ends are in bad shape - just be mindful that you have enough clearance for the hoses to reach the reservoir.

Most likely the fluid is working it's way down from the reservoir - take a flashlight and trail the fluid up to the original leak. The cap also has a rubber seal that can also fail.

[shotgun]

Thanks,

Hoses from reservoir are in fairly good shape. It was actually the crimp hose on the return line that attaches to the top of the steering gearbox. Bimmerzone has the complete hose & coupling for $64; but it makes much more sense to just get a new coupling & banjo bolts (<$15) and do it myself.

Do you think the power steering pump is bad due to the intermitent noise it made or just a cause from the leak/low pressure?

Thanks again!

[2DYE4]

The cap also has a rubber seal that can also fail.


That is where mine is leaking from, anyone know if the dealer carries this seal?

[2DYE4]

got it, the seal is sold seperate from the cap, hopefully this will remedy my leak..