[Jimmy-F46 M-sport]

Hi guys, just noticed the power steering fluid in my 1 series is low. It states ATF on the lid. Bought this stuff but thought I would check its ok to use.


Any info welcome

[Soul_Glo]

You need CHF 11 S by Pentosin

[Jimmy-F46 M-sport]

My cap doesn't have the green circle with CHF 11 on it just ATF stamped into the plastic cap

[Aragorn30d]

Suck some out and see what color it is.

CHF11S is green, ATF is red/brown.

You probably find the cars manual will tell you what type of fluid should be used.

[Soul_Glo]

If the cap/manual says aft then what you have brought is absolutely fine for the intended application.

I siphoned mine last week. It was supposed to be green but it was a dirty green and almost brown so colour may not be the best to go by. I did mine after 7 years and 70k miles. What an improvement! I'd say drain rather than top off if you know how to drain. Loads of guides on here if you need any guidance.

Clean around the cap as much as you can before you open it up because you don't want dirt falling in.

[pinco000]

just wondering guys..how often this should be changed or topped up? When its running low, is there a signal on the instrument cluster? cheers

[Soul_Glo]

I should add that all fluids tend to go darker so mine being dark was not a bad thing.

Generally the fluid is considered to be for life. What does life mean? 100k miles? The life of the car?

The jury is out on when to change it as it is not part of routine maintenance. There are no hard and fast rules.

In my humble opinion I would say every 4 years or 60k miles. I wouldn't flush it but siphon what is in the reservoir and top off.

Worth checking monthly or every other month as part of home maintenance.

[gaza01]

Originally Posted by Broken_Gearbox

I should add that all fluids tend to go darker so mine being dark was not a bad thing.

Generally the fluid is considered to be for life. What does life mean? 100k miles? The life of the car?

The jury is out on when to change it as it is not part of routine maintenance. There are no hard and fast rules.

In my humble opinion I would say every 4 years or 60k miles. I wouldn't flush it but siphon what is in the reservoir and top off.

Worth checking monthly or every other month as part of home maintenance.

Changing mine is on the list of things to do. What improvements did u feel after changing yours?

[mob17]

Mile Miller suggests every 30k miles. I had mine booked in with Steve last year but it was ATF instead ofcthe pentosin. If you get it wrong you will be in big trouble.

I would also like to hear what improvements were felt?

[Soul_Glo]

Steering felt noticeably smoother. Mine was starting to feel very heavy like a manual steering. It always has been on the heavy side but it's not as bad as before. If I had to give it a percentage then I'd say about 30 per cent improved.

[gaza01]

Originally Posted by Broken_Gearbox

Steering felt noticeably smoother. Mine was starting to feel very heavy like a manual steering. It always has been on the heavy side but it's not as bad as before. If I had to give it a percentage then I'd say about 30 per cent improved.

thanks!

[Jimmy-F46 M-sport]

Cheers for the replies guys, bought a turkey baster and emptied reservoir then topped up with new fluid, (I checked the colour of the old fluid before starting and it seemed to be dark red/brown) I drove it for a couple of days and today Im gonna do it again then again drive it for a few days then repeat process till Ive used up the bottle that way hope to get as much old fluid out as possible. Have to say the steering was a lot quieter and smoother so happy days