Steering question

[1bmw1]

Originally Posted by Ceeker

yaknow these steering pumps are quite a common failure item on e46's? so I think it is wise to use a premium fluid to avoid breakage.

Ya, they do have some faults to them.

I would suggest a reflush, and use the oem stuff. Also look into your hoses. Make sure that there aren't any kinks in it where fluid can't reach the pressure it's supposed to. If you're still having issues, then the pump is a good place to start. I don't think it's the rack, so there's nothing after that.

in order of what i would do.

1. Look for kinks or faults in the lines.
2. Change the fluid to new OEM.
3. Look into a new pump

[BADRAT]

today was a nice day so i decided to flush the system with some new fluid and then cycle in some Royal Purple ATF. it is fully synthetic so i hope it makes a difference, also very expensive so i hope it wasnt a waste! this is actually a new pump so im not too concerned there. next few days are going to be mild, ill report back when we hit below freezing. fingers crossed!

[blakneto]

Where did you buy the ATF? you don't need that many bottles... i got mine of a pro-shop on Queensway for around $10/$12 a bottle. (only needed 2)

[BADRAT]

yeah, i went to performance improvements on the queensway. $16 a bottle, only got a couple

[BADRAT]

looks like the problem persists, the fluid flush and change had no effect on the cold weather issue not sure what else to do. i guess just wait for the spring

[Bimmerp]

Originally Posted by BADRAT

looks like the problem persists, the fluid flush and change had no effect on the cold weather issue not sure what else to do. i guess just wait for the spring

Any ATF with dexron iii specification would work. I've personally flushed the system with both bmw and motomaster (cheap bottle usually go for 4.51 on sale) without any issues. Bmw does have a stiff suspension but I guess yours is too stiff.

Are you sure you are using the right ATF fluid with dexron specifications?

[Pinto009]

hey bro i had the same problem sprayed a lil motor cycle grease on the u joint of the shaft and it was perfect if the car was sitting for a while that joint gets stiff in the winter u got to raise the car u be able to just give it a good spray turn the wheel side to side spray on each side might be able to get to it form the top not sure as i did it form the bottom

tust me that helped a lot

[Pinto009]

you don't have to use chain grease i tought it be better u can use wd- 40 or any of those just soak it up

[BADRAT]

cool, thanks man. i have a new coupling to throw on, ill spray some grease then and report with my findings.... though winter is quickly disappearing, id need some real cold temps to get real results

[oakville46]

How is the steering after the car has been running for lets say 20minutes? Have you checked the pump to make sure it is building pressure?

[BADRAT]

it works fine after a couple minutes, its very much related to the weather. the pump is new