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Thread: Small random problem that's not really a problem - power steering reservoir

  1. #1
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    Small random problem that's not really a problem - power steering reservoir

    So when I bought my 540 it was missing the little gasket for the power steering reservoir cap. I stopped by the dealer and picked one up and installed the o ring. It didn't allow the cap to fit! The cap would go on crooked and it wouldn't have enough threads to screw in. If I pushed harder it would cross thread. Convinced I was crazy I kept trying but no luck. After getting tired of the sweating on the outside of the reservoir I made my own gasket out of a flat sheet of rubber that I cut into shape.

    A year later that has failed so I bought another oem gasket thinking the first one was defective or something--nope! Still having the same problem.

    Has anyone experienced this before? I've gotta be doing something dumb. Someone please help me point out my stupidity


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    Chris
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    04 Mercedes S55 AMG
    97 BMW 540i6

  2. #2
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    Maybe the reservoir needs to be replaced? Might as well reppace the hoses too with better worm style clamps.



  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by auaq View Post
    Maybe the reservoir needs to be replaced? Might as well reppace the hoses too with better worm style clamps.
    Yea. I would but the reservoir, pump, and lines were replaced a couple years ago by the PO. It doesn't leak a drop. I have receipts for the work, it states the pump was OE LUK, but it doesn't say anything about the reservoir. Maybe it's an aftermarket one and it's not allowing the o ring to seat properly?




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    Chris
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    04 Mercedes S55 AMG
    97 BMW 540i6

  4. #4
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    Can you take a picture of the cap? I replaced my gasket a few months ago and had trouble getting mine on, realized the old gasket was so flattened that I couldn't even tell it was on there! Took a pick, removed the old one, swapped in the new and no more leaks


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  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by nikh23 View Post
    Can you take a picture of the cap? I replaced my gasket a few months ago and had trouble getting mine on, realized the old gasket was so flattened that I couldn't even tell it was on there! Took a pick, removed the old one, swapped in the new and no more leaks


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    Hmmm...hoping I'm not that oblivious but will chalk when I get home. Will also post a pic


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    Chris
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    04 Mercedes S55 AMG
    97 BMW 540i6

  6. #6
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    found a pic on the interwebs. gasket should sit in the groove closest to the top. if it doesn't sit in there nicely then the old gasket is still in place and has flattened down to a pancake. easy to miss as I thought mine was missing when I tried to replace it.

    PS_Cap-Gasket11.JPG

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by nikh23 View Post
    found a pic on the interwebs. gasket should sit in the groove closest to the top. if it doesn't sit in there nicely then the old gasket is still in place and has flattened down to a pancake. easy to miss as I thought mine was missing when I tried to replace it.

    <img src="https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=605930"/>
    +1
    It can happen. Be very very carful

  8. #8
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    You guys are awesome! The old gasket was stuck on there and virtually invisible. Can't believe I missed that.

    Hopefully the new gasket stops the seeping


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    Chris
    -------------------------------------
    04 Mercedes S55 AMG
    97 BMW 540i6

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by cnsorial View Post
    You guys are awesome! The old gasket was stuck on there and virtually invisible. Can't believe I missed that.

    Hopefully the new gasket stops the seeping


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    nice! had the same problem on mine and it stopped the seeping, now i only have to deal with all the other leaks.

  10. #10
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    Just as a quick note you can go to Fastenal and buy a #129 O-Ring for 43c. It is the same size, I read that on another thread and did it last week.

  11. #11
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    A few have plugged the vent hole in the cap with the end of a Q-tip. This is a source of seepage.


    Ed in San Jose '97 540i 6 speed aspensilber over aubergine leather. Build date 3/97. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA Nr 62319.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by edjack View Post
    A few have plugged the vent hole in the cap with the end of a Q-tip. This is a source of seepage.
    Yea I saw that. I'll do that if it seeps from there. Although I never got seepage from there with my homemade gasket


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    Chris
    -------------------------------------
    04 Mercedes S55 AMG
    97 BMW 540i6

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