Results 1 to 13 of 13

Thread: 1998 540 Power steering pump growls when I turn the wheel but mostly when warm

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Rockford
    Posts
    120
    My Cars
    1998 540

    1998 540 Power steering pump growls when I turn the wheel but mostly when warm

    If I drive it more than 30 mins the thing growls, but when I first start driving, it's fine. Are the pumps rebuildable?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
    Posts
    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    How is the fluid level??? No you just order a new one

  3. #3
    Jaaap is offline ☀ ☁ ☂ ☃ ☏ ☠ ☢ ☣ ♕ ♫ ✂
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Belgium
    Posts
    887
    My Cars
    Alpina B10 e39 / F3
    I had this on my e38 once and a new reservoir (which has a filter) fixed it.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Rockford
    Posts
    120
    My Cars
    1998 540
    After I took it out of storage in April, it growled, but fluid was a bit low, added and fine, now noticing it more, fluid level is fine. I even replaced some old with some new, but maybe a cup or 2. So no leaks and fluid level good.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Greedland
    Posts
    768
    My Cars
    99 540i6, 02 X5, Tundra
    What kind of fluid are you using?
    E85 fueled, Eaton m112 supercharged 4.5L M62TU, TTV racing flywheel, Spec stage 2+ clutch, 88c thermostat, eibach sway bars, wavetrac 3.15 lsd, m5 steering box, Quantum 340lph fuel pump, Dinan camber plates, some powerflex bushings, Supersprint headers, M5 cats, 2001 gas pedal upgrade and many other things done. all diy by me

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Rockford
    Posts
    120
    My Cars
    1998 540
    Dex 3 I think.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Location
    Beaverton, Oregon, USA
    Posts
    1,694
    My Cars
    2001 E39 540i A, 207 k
    Do NOT mix fluid types in the power steering pump.
    Flush it all, and replace it with the approved fluid type. I think "Pentosin Synthetic ATF-1" is the right fluid for your car. Check it first.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Rockford
    Posts
    120
    My Cars
    1998 540
    Didn’t mix fluids, forget where I read the type it needs.

  9. #9
    JimLev's Avatar
    JimLev is offline Artifically Aspirated Moderator
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Sundance Mesa, NM
    Posts
    19,817
    My Cars
    00 540/6, '16 Highlander
    Look on the cap, it will say what to use.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Rockford
    Posts
    120
    My Cars
    1998 540
    Quote Originally Posted by JimLev View Post
    Look on the cap, it will say what to use.
    Actually all it says is use ATF only.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Shreveport Louisiana
    Posts
    762
    My Cars
    1999 5281
    though on some of the later replacement caps, and on some of the replacement reservoirs with caps, they are marked for use with chf-115 fluid, which didnt come in to play til the e60 model came out. dont use chf-115 in the e39.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    11,537
    My Cars
    1997 BMW 540i 6 speed
    OP, when did you last replace the ATF?


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

  13. #13
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Rockford
    Posts
    120
    My Cars
    1998 540
    Update-the steering linkage joints apparently are old and dried out. Got a needle grease gun attachment and shot grease into them. No more noise.

Similar Threads

  1. Replacing e39 540 power steering pump - opinions?
    By Cora540 in forum 1996 - 2003 (E39)
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 05-26-2015, 06:12 AM
  2. WTB: Power Steering Pump for 540
    By Rallim in forum 1996 - 2003 (E39)
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 12-08-2011, 08:08 PM
  3. E36 E36 M3 1998 Power Steering Pump 107k miles
    By e30hijinks in forum Drivetrain & Transmission Parts
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 09-18-2010, 01:34 PM
  4. Inconsistent steering on 540 - bad power steering pump?
    By resinears in forum 1996 - 2003 (E39)
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 06-08-2007, 10:12 PM
  5. FS: 1998 328i Steering Rack, Power Steering Pump
    By DeanB in forum BMW Parts For Sale
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 02-22-2004, 09:42 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •