Changing The Power Steering Filter & Fluid On A BMW
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
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In this DIY and How-To video, we'll show you how to change the power steering fluid and filter on a later model BMW or MINI. Follow along as we replace the reservoir/filter and flush the fluid on a 2001 330xi,
The power steering fluid and filter are one of the most overlooked preventive maintenance areas on most BMWs and MINIs. (Think about it -- when did you ever changed the power steering fluid on any vehicle?) On BMWs, this system provides boost not just for the steering but often for the power brakes and self-leveling suspensions, as well. Time and time again, we'll look at the power steering fluid in a BMW or MINI and it is filthy! (Running on old, degraded fluid will shorten the useful life of the steering rack/gearbox, brake booster, fluid pump, etc.) The fluid should be bright, clear red or, depending on the application, just clean and clear
One of the reasons this system gets overlooked is that there is no direct provision for changing the fluid; therefore the job is a bit more tedious. But it is not so tedious that it should be ignored. We recommend a biennial (every other year) or 50,000-mile fluid change for the power boost system. Additionally, most systems have a fluid filter incorporated into the fluid reservoir. (A lot of mechanics do not even know that this filter exists!) Change the filter when changing the fluid. (This is also a great time to replace any leaking power steering hoses.) There are three different fluids used in BMWs and MINIs; the correct fluid is typically noted on a label on the reservoir cap. We can assist in determining the proper filter and fluid for your BMW or MINI.
TOOLS USED:
Fluid transfer pump:
www.bavauto.com...
Hose clamp driver:
www.bavauto.com...
Pig Mat, oil absorbent mats:
www.bavauto.com...
Protective gloves:
www.bavauto.com...
Scrubs In A Bucket hand cleaner wipes:
www.bavauto.com...
PRODUCT USED:
Power steering fluid (Dexron-III, in this case):
www.bavauto.com...
Power steering reservoir/filter:
www.bavauto.com...
Hose and hose clamps:
www.bavauto.com...
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All products noted in this video can be purchased in our online store, www.bavauto.com/, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are also welcome to e-mail us at info@bavauto.com or call into our headquarters and speak to our knowledgeable advisors at (800) 535-2002 (Mon.-Thurs. 8AM to 9PM EST, Fri. 8AM to 7PM EST, and Sat. 9AM to 4PM EST).
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Actually, these hoses did need to be replaced, but we did not have them available when the video was done .... and we were just addressing the fluid and filter change. Usually, the leakage is due to the original hose clamps no longer being tight enough to seal properly. If the hose is deteriorated or has any cracking (as this one did), they should be replaced and, of course, this would be a good time to replace the hoses. We do now keep them in-stock at bavauto.com
The hoses that connect directly to the filter reservoir, have quick-disconnect (QD) fittings on the ends opposite the slip-on ends at the reservoir. The QD fittings are next to the radiator (on the E46 3-series, as used in the video). There are special tools for the QDs, but you can separate them by wedging the QD connector away from the joint.
Hi Guys, your videos are always great and have been very helpful in the maintainance of my cars, thanks
@yukuhana -
The fluid used in many (most) BMW power steering systems is Dexron-III. This is typically also used for many older automatic transmissions as well as manual transmissions. It is a somewhat universal hydraulic fluid and is most commonly known as automatic transmission fluid, even though this is just one of its many uses.
@ksvrando -
We import the fluid pump from Europe. The brand is Bavarian Autosport, as we bring it in as our own. We all use these pumps, personally, and they work very well.
Great and informative video! One question: you mentioned early on in the video that the hoses that circulate the power steering fluid often deteriorate and result in leakage. In this video, though, it appears that you haven't replaced the hoses themselves. If there is leakage, then does that require a full replacement of the hoses in addition to the filter?
We like to change the power steering fluid about every two years. This can vary depending on how many miles the car is driven as well as the environmental conditions. Certainly change the fluid when it starts to become clouded ... less clear.
Something is wrong with the Audio. Repost!! I can't hear the video? Is it just me?
Stone Walled STOP SCREAMING!!!!
No, the audio is TRASH
Stone Walled yeah I am with you there no sound to the vid that allows us to gain knowledge in learning or adding on to what we know...lol was like being in school watching a movie with just pictures etc 🔧🔩🔨📐📏🔦🎲🎰
Video is worthless without audio !!!
Stone Walled that’s just you
Wouldn't it make more sense to do the fluid flush BEFORE changing the reservoir, that way you don't drag all the old fluid through the new filter . . .
but then you drag new fluid thru dirty filter :p best way is to put new reservoir onto only one hose (pump suction) and cap other and pour fresh fluid thru fresh filter, till clean fluid flows from return hose, then connect the return hose to new tank and top up.
@Ponga Pandit You 'pump' it using steering rack - turning steering wheel back and forth from lock to lock, I used that methot and it works fine
It is really ok. Wipe all with a towel insuring the hole in the cap is not clogged. You need to insure that your fluid cap shows the type of fluid as some models use CHF11S.
On BMW and MINI models with the plastic reservoirs, the complete reservoir must be changed, as the filter that is inside is not accessible. Earlier BMW models (and some later models) that have metal reservoirs, do indeed have replaceable filters down in the bottom of the reservoir. We also stock these filters.
you need to turn the wheels, if you just let it circulate its just going to flow thru the lines and bypass and not clean the rack much at all. left the car, drain the rack, and turn the wheels.. then fill.. and repeat once more.
yes, it is quite like that to do
Also a good idea to turn the steering wheel both ways after adding new fluid. This way the old fluid in the rack and pinion is pushed out back to the reservoir.
is that the only way of getting the old oil out of the rack?
Try listening on a different device. We have found that computers with built-in single (mono) audio and speaker typically cannot play the sound track. Thanks for your notes.
@Erikduarte1 -
You do not HAVE to use synthetic. The synthetic is just a better choice. The original fill was not synthetic.
Well, the BMW likely does have a heavier steering feel than the Charger. We did drive a new Charger while traveling in CA (a rental) and noted that the steering was rather numb and highly boosted. As for the sound that you are hearing, we can't tell what it is, from here. you should have someone else take a look at it to get an idea what may be going on.
Your videos are awesome, thank you so much, I just bought my first BMW (2007 335i) it was well taken care of but I need to do several maintenance items which your videos show very well. Thank you very much
Welcome to the family, Mike. Be sure to get our catalog on the way .... www.bavauto.com
BavarianAuto Definitely will, thank :)
Your power steering system will be exactly as shown on the M54 in the 3-series in the video. You do need to replace the reservoir in order to replace the filter.
Oh ... you have the self changing fluid option! Very common on many BMWs.
We can certainly get the leakage under control. Have you determined the source(s) of the leakage?
If the fluid is changed regularly, the filter does not need to be changed every time. You would want to change the filter every other time, for best performance and longevity of the system.
Great instructional video as usual Otto. Well done, and thanks
Forgot to add, I have a slow leak at the power steering hose(s) which is appearing as a consistent and small leak, plus the power steering fluid looks thick and not clear.
Thanks for your tips BavAuto people!
//Gary
We have used Trans-X as a temporary leak stop.
What about the rest of the old fluid left in PSP and the rack ? This is not the right way !!!!!!
Nope, lazy nonsense video way. It's like sucking out your brake fluid, refilling & saying you've changed it.
@@stevesas632 u cant empty these cars all the way specially w dynamic drive they throw a code for malfunction that only dealer can reset
Did this on my 2002 330i a couple months ago. Some addendums/answers to questions asked in the comments:
What you'll need: About 1,6 ATF liters but it can't hurt to have a bit more.
Hose clamps, just order a whole set of them, u need 2 different sizes anyways.
Tools - just a regular ratchet set.
But this instruction is a bit on the short side imo, doing it this way you'll only flush out about half of the old power steering fluid. This ones better: th-cam.com/video/pQFVG40i6UI/w-d-xo.html
Its in German but just watch carefully, its pretty really self-explanatory.
However, after doing all that, I've noticed a bit of leak. The old oil lines are just becoming brittle over time, I'll probably need to replace at least the thicker power steering line on the right side. (or left side, from the drivers perspective.)
Haven't done that yet due to time constraints.
And yes, I did cut off a bit from that power steering line before putting the new hose clamp on it... didn't help.
If I'd have to guess - if anything it made it worse, cuz the line is streched more than before now.
So anyways, guess I'll have to open all that up again.
So long story short, if u wanna do this - while u are already there, replace the brittle line as well.
U better double check that, but the parts number should be: 11312241087 // 32411095526 // 32416750155 // 32411093130
Thank you such a clear and informative tutorial. I hope there are more videos like this.
Yes, there was in issue with the camara's stereo recording, not working with the youtube systems. We have since rectified the issue, but cannot fix the prior videos without fully reloading them and loosing all history, comments and replies.
you make it look easy ..I am going to try it ...thank you !!
Solid video, just finished doing this job on my E39. I replaced the hoses as well - it was easy enough and I think if you're going through the motions of replacing the resevoir/filter you should probably do the hoses as well.
Thanks BavAuto for a fantastic DIY video!
@machiavelli316bg
Turning the wheel back and forth, may help to move the fluid through the system. It certainly can't hurt. Keep the engine running through the complete procedure.
Hi! Great Video! Do you think it would be a good method to leave the return line of the reservoir disconnected, then turning the engine without fuel and "feed" the reservoir fresh fluid to completely flush the system?
I think I just may call.
It's a slow leak, but its spread the fluid down two hoses and on that bar underneath, suspension bar? or is it part of the power steering system.. I dunno.
Yes, the fluid is like a muddy purple, not clear, I bought the ti from a 1st owner two - three - years ago.
I may just try that hose replacement only option, but that would require me to lift the car, as ps-reservoir is inside, behind the radiator unlike in this vid, in view and easy to reach.
Many thanks!
Gary
Good morning. Thank you for the video. I want to ask you: why do you change the power steering reservoir? is there a filter in the power steering network? Thank you.
graphite greg - We can't reply to your original comment, due to it coming in via google - Here's the link for the cap seal ring:
www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=32%2041%201%20128%20333
@swizz85
In flushing the system, simply remove and add fluid (as shown in the video) until the circulating fluid is nice and clear. This generally takes from 2 to 4 quarts. Once the fluid is flushed so that it is continually running clear, you can adjust the final fluid level. This is accomplished by screwing on the cap (and integral dip-stick), with the engine running, and reading the fluid level. We actually forgot to show this, since we have an experienced "eye", for the proper level.
Nice guide. I think I will do this on my old E34 520i.
No current specific video on the E36, Lance. However... here are some pointers:
Remove the complete air filter box, MAF and intake boot. This should give you working room for the reservoir and the hoses. If you are replacing the hoses, you'll also have to be able to get under the car. If there is a plastic splash shield remove the shield to access the hose connections to the pump and the rack. We do keep all of this in-stock. Just go to our online store at bavauto.com or call 800-535-2002.
awesome video and thumbs up!
My 745LI only has 75K miles on it and has this EXACT SAME ISSUE. That Normal?
Thanks for sharing this video.
First of all thanks for the great videos you are uploading! They always helped me to maintain my old E36 and now my E46 330i by myself :)
I have a small question: There are two alignments at the bottom of the reservoir. Which hose belongs to which alignment?
Thank you and many greetings from Germany!
Adam
Certainly! The procedure shown is applicable to all of the various BMW or MINI power steering systems. By the way, if you have a metal fluid canister, these have filters as well. The filters are replaceable (without replacing the canister). they are located under the plate at the bottom of the reservoir. We keep these filters in-stock at BAVAUTO dot COM or call us at 800-535-2002.
Does my 2006 750I Power Steering reservoir contain a replaceable filter or do I need to replace the entre Power steering reservoir? Great video!
Quick question my steering is very hard but my power steering has no noise issues and the fluid is somewhat red so what else can cause hard steering on a E39 530i m54 engine?
Legendnum23 did you solve it? I have same bro
How many containers of fluid did it take till you finished? I will be doing this project in the near future and would like to get the materials together.
@Altair8801 -
Yes, on the models that have the plasic reservoirs, the filter is encased in the reservoir. We would assume BMW never intended to actually change the filters as regular maintenance.
what caused the leak did you find out?
was it the PS bottle or the hoses?
this seams easy, we just ha an old -96 523 e39 restored, had all the rust done and the whole car repainted, it looks just stunning now for a car that has 285000km on it! I just have to change the hose under the power steering reservoir, its old and leaking a bit.
The flush can take as little as two quarts of fluid, or as many as four (or more), depending on how much flushing is actually required to get the fluid clear. In other words, how dirty the old fluid is.
When the cap says ATF, this is Dexron-III automatic transmission fluid. this fluid is quite commonly used for various hydraulic systems, such as the power steering system.
It says D4 doesn’t it?
I've been having whining noise from my steering wheel lately on my i135 2013, do you think this will fix it ? and do you know if its similar to this
Great video!!! One question: If the filter and fluid are for power steering, how come we use ATF fluid? Doesn't ATF stand for automatic transmission fluid??
the best way that i ever seen omg without any mass...
@BiteDoctor -
Red Line has named this fluid D4. We think this may be due to the fact that it meets the GL-4 fluid specs. The fluid is applicable to Dexron-II, Dexron-III, Mercon and Mercon-V.
Is this an automatic transmission? Do the manual have also a filter?
If the original fluid was very "dirty" and-or old, you certainly may experience that the steering is smoother and possibly lighter feeling.
Yes, your reservoir will be the same as the one shown on this E46 3-series (99-05). The location is slightly different, but the procedure is similar. If you remove the air filter box and the air flow meter, you will have full access to the hose clamps on the reservoir. Use the same fluid (Dexron-III). All is available in our online store at bavauto.com.
If the proper fluid for your model is dexron-III ATF (as noted on the reservoir or the reservoir cap), then, yes, the Red Line D4ATF is proper for refilling or adding fluid. We do have the Red Line fluid in-stock at bavauto.com or call our agents at 800-535-2002.
Great tutorial really thanks to share knowledge
my 740il has a small leak I'm guessing from either the pump or the high pressure line, would that cause it to be harder to turn the wheel than normal even though the reservoir is full?
We are Bavarian Autosport - located in Portsmouth, NH. We are a BMW and MINI parts and accessories mail-order catalog and on-line store. Visit our store at bavauto.com . You can view all of the products we offer, search our tech files and keep your BMW or MINI running properly. You can also request a full catalog. For more tech articles, visit our Tech Blog at blog.bavauto.com . Feel free to give our agents a call at 800-535-2002.
thank you very much,I did it and it is working perfectly and I did not pay for change my e39 power steering filter,I changed filter,and I liked your work everything clear and clean,
2006 325i / I can see a lot of grease caked up on the filter housing, I guess it is time to replace it.??? I need to check for part number.
@BavarianAuto thanks for clarifying!
When the cap says ATF, this is Dexron-III auto trans fluid. We offer this in the synthetic Red Line and Liqui-Moly brands. Go to our online store at bavauto.com and enter RLD4ATF (for Red Line) or 3681 (Liqui-Moly) or call our Advisors at 800-535-2002.
Most BMWs use Dexron-III auto trans fluid in the power steering systems. There are exceptions to this. The fluid reservoir will be labeled with the proper fluid to use. If in doubt, call us at 800-535-2002 and we can set you up with the proper fluid.
Had to put headphones on to hear. Anyways nice video
We recommend that the fluid be changed about every two years, or when it starts to become cloudy.
i have a question. should you turn the wheel in between flush/sucking to get the old fluid to come up?
We can offer you all of the parts and tools shown in our DIY videos. Go to our web site: bavauto.com (part number for the pump is FP 500) or call our phone specialists at 800-535-2002.
The fluid will circulate through the system as long as the engine is running (turning the pump). We do typically cycle the steering left/right once in a while as we are refilling and removing/filling, to get the highest concentration of fresh fluid.
still a nonsense, you're mixing nice new fluid with old, waste of time. Do it properly, or not at all.
@BavarianAuto I have an 88 735i problem is that it whines pretty loud. Everytime I twist the wheel it spits the power steering fluid out.
bless you for even responding to these hahahaha, anyway I love your vids!! thank you for being so thorough! I can tell you thought everything out and edited it accordingly. cheers! (btw audio has always been fine for me as I've used your vids over the years for reference)
Being thorough in every way except actual that fluid change.....not a proper job at all.
Hi, on a '99 528i is this the same? The filter is in the reservoir? The parts house tells us there is a in line one that is added in. Just trying to make sure its done right for ours. Thank you and the video was great btw. Thank you
Thanks had no idea there was a filter
Thank you for the videos they've kept me from alot frustration
Awesome vid !
Is the steering lighter ( using less power ) after changing fluid ?
Wish the microphone was working I really like how this video was made thank you
Start with a filter and fluid change as shown in the video. If it still seems too stiff, you may need a pump, but you should have it diagnosed before replacing the pump or other parts. Give our agents a call at 800-535-2002 for assistance in ordering the filter and fluid, or go to our online store at bavauto.com
Yes, it does. Check it out at bavauto.com or call our agents at 800-535-2002.
If the hoses are leaking where they connect to the reservoir, fresh hose clamps may cure the leak. However, if the ends of the hoses are swollen and deteriorated, you should replace them. If the leakage is at the points where the rubber hose is crimped to the fitting end (such as at the pump or the rack), the hoses must be replaced. You can check our online store at bavauto.com or call our advisors at 800-535-2002.
As for the fluid, it does sound like it needs to be flushed.
@Thismexican1 -
I'm not sure what you mean about an angle. If the reservoir dues not have the screw-on plastic cap, with a dip-stick, as shown in the video ... it will be one of the various metal reservoirs. These reservoirs have the filter ring at the bottom of the unit, with a metal plate sitting on top of the filter. When you drain the fluid and look down into the reservoir, you see the plate. People commonly think this is the bottom (or floor) of the reservoir. Hence, "false floor".
Yes, the hoses do need to go onto the proper nipples on the reservoir. The nipples, and the corresponding hoses, are different sizes. It is readily apparent which hose goes on which nipple. Your note, to be cautious about it, is good though.
HI, Thanks for this great vid.
One Question: Can I do the same procedure on flushing the steering fluid when the car is running (so putting oil out and oil in) also when my car has the dynamic drive system build in? Is there any problem when the oil level is getting under minimum then? Thanks in advance.
BR Smoki
Well, it actually is somewhat "normal". Of course, we'd like this not to happen. The fluid film is from the cap venting as the fluid in the system expands. As a first attempt to reduce or eliminate this, you could try a new cap and/or seal. The vent on the cap may be plugged or the seal may be in need of replacement. go to our online store at bavauto.com and ID your car as a US model (128i, for example) and search "power steering".
@Thismexican1 -
The first step would be to replace the filter in the reservoir. The metal reservoir on your 735i has a replacable filter. It is located in the bottom of the reservoir, under the "false floor". Go to our web site (BAVAUTO dot COM) or call (800-535-2002), to order the filter. Look at the cover on your reservoir to see if it has three or four ribs ... to determine which filter is correct.
Hi
on my vehicle most likey reservoir leak I will take out check tomorrow morning, because I notice lot of oil deposited on alternator and also few drops of oil/fluid on ground.
my actual question is my air box upper snorkel not fully joined there is some gap, does it cause any p1091 ??
Thanks, Krishna
@ViperKeeper2070 -
There won't be much fluid in the pump, but you could drain out what you can. Once it's back together, do the fill and some fluid "swapping", as shown in the video, until the fluid is clear. Be sure to replace the filter too. The E38 750il models had three different fluid reservoirs. If you have a plastic reservoir (there are two different ones for this car), replace the reservoir. If reservoir is metal, replace the internal filter. Call 800-535-2002 or BAVAUTO dot COM.
As with any other filter, the purpose of the filter is to collect and hold the particulate contaminants that get into the system (or are generated within the system, due to wear). Eventually, the filter becomes saturated, or "full" and cannot hold nay additional contaminants. At this point, you have two negative issues, 1) You may be passing unfiltered fluid through the system. 2) The filter will be effectively "clogged" and the fluid flow will be reduced.
The power steering system on this car used Dexron III automatic transmission fluid, as do many other BMWs. The proper fluid type for your BMW will be noted on the reservoir cap or the top of the reservoir. We carry all of the various fluids that BMW and MINI use for the power steering systems. You can see them in our online store at bavauto.com or call our advisors at 800-535-2002.
Flushing the old fluid and replacing the filter may indeed make your steering feel lighter. We have experienced this, especially after flushing a system that has never had a fluid flush. However, the ABS and DSC warnings are another issue. You likely have a fault in the ABS system. This could be a wheel speed sensor or the ABS control module (very common). For more info, go to blog.bavauto.com and search ABS Faults, or call us at 800-535-2002.
Question - on a 318ti, the power steering reservoir is in and near the radiator, I'm thinking a job like this then would require elevating the car to work from underneath. I wish the reservoir was nice and visible like this. Any tips for us 318ti owners? Id love to do this project me self!
//Gary
A job definitely well done. I only wish my local mechanic took that kind of care and attention towards all our cars.
@sunnyjason -
If fluid is being lost, it will be due to leaks at the hose connection points, a leaking pump or a leaking steering rack or gearbox. An undercar inspection should identify the leaking areas. If fluid is in the boots on the steering rack, the seals in the rack are leaking and the rack must be replaced.
The plastic reservoir on your 528e is just like the one shown in the video. You replace the complete reservoir in order to replace the filter. Check it out in our online store at bavauto.com
The reservoir on your E60 chassis 750i does have an internal filter that requires replacement of the reservoir in order to replace the filter. We do have the units in-stock at bavauto.com or call our advisors at 800-535-2002.
If you are watching & listening on a computer that has a build in mono speaker, the audio will not play properly. Try listening on a system that has a stereo sound card.
@ksvrando -
We purchase the pumps from our suppier in Europe. There are in a plain white box .... no branding. However, they do work well for most fluids. We have fould that very heavy fluids can cause bypass at the piston (pump) seal, such as Lucas gear oil modifier (you should never use this stuff anyway .......).
You may need to clean things up a bit so that you can tell where the fresh leaking fluid is coming from, but it's likely the hoses. The bar you are referencing sounds like it may be the swaybar.
@ViaDolorosa777
We would recomment changing the fluid and the filter at 30,000 to 50,000 miles, in most cases. If the fluid is dirty looking (not clear or bright red, depending on the fluid that is used), it's time for a change.