[johnnybforbacon]

Hey all,

Recently purchased a 2006 E90 325i (2.5l) and only had a proper look at it today under the bonnet (hood). I noticed the power steering reservoir was caked in dried oil or similar from the top and around it. The steering is super heavy but I've been told most older BMW's have very heavy steering.

I'm wondering though whether this is a sign the power steering pump is on its way out? The fluid was very dark also, within the reservoir and looked like oil.

Any help is much appreciated!

Cheers,

Johnny

[Tambohamilton]

Sounds like it needs a service.

I'd replace the fluid (check whether CHF or ATF), and the reservoir itself (has an integrated filter).

[JB20DGM]

Usually the power steering reservoir being coated is due to the o-ring on the cap just not sealing well anymore...it's a pretty common issue. Given the age, replacing the reservoir (with the internal filter) which should come with a new cap would be the way to go.

And yes, the steering could generally be described as heavy...especially compared to many other brands.

[Efthreeoh]

Its a common condition with that style power steering reservoir; the o-ring on the cap flattens out over time. Just wipe the oil off and replace o-ring. There is no need to replace the reservoir.

E9X have heavy steering. It is normal. Just replace the o-ring.

The level of over maintenance BMWs get because of the internet is astonishing. It's just a worn out o-ring, that's it.

[lordnikon]

What sizes are the hose clamps if one wants to use a worm clamp instead?

[Tambohamilton]

Worm clamp instead of an o-ring?

[lordnikon]

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

Worm clamp instead of an o-ring?

No, instead of this:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...mp-32416751128

which needs to be clamped with pliers.

[sabino56]

Just cleaned up mine, replaced O-ring. The pliers are $20 and work great. Also easy to get to clamps off without destroying and can put back on again.

Everyone has different opinions but after doing it, my opinion is to keep the original and get the pliers.

[lordnikon]

Okay. I haven’t ordered the parts yet.

[johnnybforbacon]

Great thanks all will replace the o ring and see how it goes. Have already given it a good clean for now. Thanks

[Tambohamilton]

Originally Posted by sabino56

Just cleaned up mine, replaced O-ring. The pliers are $20 and work great. Also easy to get to clamps off without destroying and can put back on again.

Everyone has different opinions but after doing it, my opinion is to keep the original and get the pliers.

+1. Even a good quality jubilee clip isn't as nice as the standard ear clip.

[rbryantaz]

Originally Posted by johnnybforbacon

Great thanks all will replace the o ring and see how it goes. Have already given it a good clean for now. Thanks

The cap is vented so it can always overflow if overfilled or if ran hard. Sometimes the oring makes it worse if bad but they will always leak a bit... This was also an issue in the e46 and other models.

There is a thread on adding a small overflow bottle (motorcycle brake reservoir) to solve the problem.

It is also possible to upgrade to the active steering style reservoir but that is a bigger project.

-Rich

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by rbryantaz

The cap is vented so it can always overflow if overfilled or if ran hard. Sometimes the oring makes it worse if bad but they will always leak a bit... This was also an issue in the e46 and other models.

There is a thread on adding a small overflow bottle (motorcycle brake reservoir) to solve the problem.

It is also possible to upgrade to the active steering style reservoir but that is a bigger project.

-Rich

Or periodically just wipe the cap clean with a shop rag. Good Lord it's just a bit of road grime fuzz...

[rbryantaz]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Or periodically just wipe the cap clean with a shop rag. Good Lord it's just a bit of road grime fuzz...

Yea, BMW owners have to clean their PS reservoir off before eating dinner off from it.

I always see people talk about the o-ring when the cap is vented and will sweat no matter what. It is just how it is designed so even with a perfect o-ring it still won't keep it completely clean/dry...

-Rich

[whyzee125]

All of my e90s have had a fuzzy PS reservoir. Never been low on fluid or bothered with replacing an o ring or the reservoir. Unless your leak is super excessive, it's normal. A little funky but it's just a quirk of how they are.

[autoart]

Just a FYI- you can get the fluid pretty cheap at Rockauto. That CHF is expensive.

[lordnikon]

It seems the power steering reservoir was never changed on my car. I got the clamps off but the hoses are stuck on. Argh

[rbryantaz]

Originally Posted by lordnikon

It seems the power steering reservoir was never changed on my car. I got the clamps off but the hoses are stuck on. Argh

If you are changing the reservoir it makes sense to change the low pressure hoses anyway.

They aren't that expensive if you use vaico hoses they should be around $30 or so for one and $50 for the other.

-Rich

[Tambohamilton]

Really? That sounds like overkill to me! I'd only contemplate changing them if there are signs of degradation- cracks, etc.

[rbryantaz]

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

Really? That sounds like overkill to me! I'd only contemplate changing them if there are signs of degradation- cracks, etc.

Or hardening to the point where you can't remove them...

That is the stage before cracking.

[Tambohamilton]

Ok, I'm changing my stance - I'm with f3o on this now... Only I'm also not changing the o-ring

[lordnikon]

Originally Posted by rbryantaz

If you are changing the reservoir it makes sense to change the low pressure hoses anyway.

They aren't that expensive if you use vaico hoses they should be around $30 or so for one and $50 for the other.

-Rich

My mechanic said the same thing. I guess I'll change the hoses as well DIY