power steering fluid

[///M42 sport]

what kind do I use? I've been hearing a groaning sound when I turn sometimes. Is this a sign of the power steering failing?
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couple Cam

[Spaz]

bmw's use atf (automatic transmission fluid) as their powersteering fluid, it is widely available at any store or gas station.....besides it say's "use atf only" on the cap any how :P


hope that helps

[Mike]

Yeah, ATF doesn't eat the seals up in your p/s system. If its too late and you are leaking alot from high pressure p/s hoses, just pop that belt off the pump and try your car with no power steering, I tried it, and I kept it that way. Car feels more manly.

[Erick]

Just a quick note... the ATF fluid should be Dextron II or III.

Erick

[Kavkazia]

Just ditch that damn thing, and clean up your engine bay by tiny bit.

Sometimes, when it starts making noises, either its in need of fluid or going bad.

You notice any oil leak? Or any sign of oil loss in P/S tank with clean P/S lines?

;)

[Erick]

Check to see if you are low on fluid. If so fill it up... close the p/s tank. Before you close the hood, start the car..... turn your steering wheel from lock to lock a couple of times. Then look under your car. If there is liquid then you have a power steering leak somewhere.

Can't say been there done that... because i still am in the same situation... hopefully I'll fix it this weekend and switch my leaking hose.

[///M42 sport]

yeah, it was low on fluid. I used Dextron 4 since the parts guy said that it supercedes 2 and 3. Topped it off and the problem is fixed.
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Prilosec Help

[Erick]

Yeah, BMW used Dexron II back in the 80s because it was the best available then.... I just filled mine today with Dexron III

[franz]

Yeah, ATF doesn't eat the seals up in your p/s system. If its too late and you are leaking alot from high pressure p/s hoses, just pop that belt off the pump and try your car with no power steering, I tried it, and I kept it that way. Car feels more manly.

Fair enough, but leaking seals is not why hoses leak, it's because the crappy crimp connectors aren't doing their job. Replace them with screw-down type hose clamps and leak gone!

[EVOIIIM3]

I put REDLINE D4 atf in there and it likes it!

These things should be flushed ever few years!

What you do is drain the overflow tank, then fill, turn the car on and move the wheel full left and right, you will see that translucent red turing to brown. Do that a few times then drain and fill.

If the high pressure line is leaking, they are EXPENSIVE!!! Just bight it and get one.