Hydraulic Fluid Leak

**SEVEN40iL** · 10-25-2009, 02:08 AM

I noticed a few days ago, as soon as the weather got a bit colder, that my E38 was leaving a puddle in my garage closer to the drivers side front wheel.

I checked under the hood to see any signs of a leak, checked my reservoir's if they were low (which they weren't at that time) and noticed that the hoses under the CHF 11S hydraulic fluid reservoir were covered in 'oily dirt' :

Now after two days of not driving her, I checked the reservoir and it is low. Can anyone see from these pics which hose is leaking and from where?

I am assuming that one of the rubber hoses is cracking from the cold and wasn't a problem when the weather was warmer.

**IcemanBHE** · 10-25-2009, 02:21 AM

Typically the high pressure hose fittings. Fittings contract in cold. Also can separate from the rubber a bit.

Could be either hose, or even the fitting to resevoir. Since sides of your canister dont appear oily, you can ignore the top seal.

My gawd. Wash that thing.

BTW..HP hose is $$$

But your leak appears to be the 2 rubber hoses, and those are pretty cheap.

**SEVEN40iL** · 10-25-2009, 02:27 AM

is the high pressure hose the one that is half rubber and the other half metal? if so, I replaced that last year.

the weather for the last 2 weeks has been horrible, haven't had a chance to wash her up as yet!

**IcemanBHE** · 10-25-2009, 02:32 AM

No. The HP hose runs from the pump to the gear box. Also one to your rear SLS.

But yours appears to be one of the 2 LP hoses from the canister.

But any hose connection or rubber/fitting connetion can be a culprit.

Its amazing how big a leak that 5 drops looks like.

**ProStreetDriver** · 10-25-2009, 02:39 AM

there will be 2 lines... high pressure and a return line.

could be big money to buy a new hose but you might be able to fix the existing one. you could take the hose to a farm equipment dealer or someone similar that fixes hydraulic lines and have them replace the leaking fittings. fixing the existing one would probably cost under $50. i've done the same type of fix on a toyota power steering line and a pressure washer.

most of the time i hate living around farm land, but its came in handy a few times lol.

**SEVEN40iL** · 10-25-2009, 03:07 AM

Originally Posted by IcemanBHE

But yours appears to be one of the 2 LP hoses from the canister.

But any hose connection or rubber/fitting connetion can be a culprit.

Its amazing how big a leak that 5 drops looks like.

the puddle under the car is sure more than 5 drops! lol but I will have my indy have a look at it first thing monday morning.

Hopefully my indy would be able to fix the existing problem, but if a new hose is what is needed, then that's what I shall do.

**IcemanBHE** · 10-25-2009, 03:08 AM

5 drops is about a 12" spot.

**SEVEN40iL** · 10-25-2009, 03:28 AM

Originally Posted by IcemanBHE

5 drops is about a 12" spot.

ok, so 7 drops then

weird, the CHF 11S was low last night, I did not fill it, and this morning after running the car, checked again, and it's at max

**SEVEN40iL** · 10-26-2009, 02:17 PM

bump

**IcemanBHE** · 10-26-2009, 07:59 PM

Bump for what? You got your answer.

**Route 66** · 10-26-2009, 08:03 PM

I had mine replaced at a cost of $200.00.

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