Hard to Steer.

[Leaf]

Hey guys.
So lately it has become increasingly hard to steer. Sometimes when taking a 90 degree turn the wheel will squawk,squeal, or squeak, and I need to guide it back to the center. Because of this problem I can no longer steer with one hand (just to give you an idea of stiffness). It seems to be coming from inside the car, the noise. I checked the power-steering fluid and it is brown/grey and from what I've read it should be red (ATF), so would a fluid change cure this or am i in need of a new pump? The rack doesn't seem to be leaking so I doubt the problem lies there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks r3v

[StereoInstaller1]

The reservoir is also a filter: change it.

[Leaf]

What weight of ATF fluid should I use?

[jlevie]

There's not "weight" to ATF. Any lube labeled ATF is fine.

[Leaf]

ok this is weird. The problem I described was going on earlier today but now it's completely gone Idk what that could be a symptom of. The wheel turns without resistance and alot of noise so it works fine. If it helps the weather was abit chilly tonight. probably around 56 degrees. Any ideas?

[Hallen]

Clean the filter, replace the belt and tension it properly. If that doesn't work, your pump is probably going out.

[Leaf]

When you say the filter you mean the reservoir?

[Hallen]

Yeah, there should be a sreen in the reservoir. Clean that out and get some fresh fluid in there. People never clean those things out or replace the fluid so it can get nasty. It will fry your pump over time.

I hope it helps with the problem.

[Leaf]

Hey man Thanks!

[Leaf]

bump
any other ideas as to why this problem suddenly disappeared?

[nrubenstein]

bump
any other ideas as to why this problem suddenly disappeared?

Small blockage cleared with vibration. That'd be my guess. Either that or pulley tension changed with temperature.

What you probably ought to do is a) change the reservoir and fluid - if it's brown and crapped up it's time, and b) check the PS belt.

[Leaf]

Small blockage cleared with vibration. That'd be my guess. Either that or pulley tension changed with temperature.

What you probably ought to do is a) change the reservoir and fluid - if it's brown and crapped up it's time, and b) check the PS belt.

Hey dude, thanks a bunch.

[Adrian_Visser]

Interesting I never knew there was a filter in the reservoir. I have a similar problem, my steering is intermittantly very stiff I will have to try that.

[SlapDash]

Where the H is the reservoir? My steering is doing wacky things as well, but I can't find any reservoir and the Bentley says it's a 'sealed' system. It's an '88 325is. Thanks...

[Teaguer]

Where the H is the reservoir? My steering is doing wacky things as well, but I can't find any reservoir and the Bentley says it's a 'sealed' system. It's an '88 325is. Thanks...

Just steer less. Problem solved.

Reservoir is the dk brown circular jug mounted on the drivers side strut tower.