hi: i need help with my bmw...

sm32589g

sm32589g

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#1
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#1
...there is a tiny leak coming from under the car the substance is unknown to me it is clear and oily the substance drips off of one of the teethed gears under the car but it isnt coming from that i think it is simple just transferring to it and it seems not to leak while the vehicle is running. thanks for your help
 
sm32589g

sm32589g

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#3
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#3
has 53k miles on it and may need a water pump i have narrowed it down between the water pump and the power steering but the steering i dont think it would be because the car is still very nimble.
 
Chesty Bonds

Chesty Bonds

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#4
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#4
The steering will still feel normal if there is a leak. Provided there is still enough fluid (pressure) in the system it will feel the same. Mine was like that. I did notice a few "grumbles" from the steering-box in low-speed maneouvering while it was leaking.
 
Chesty Bonds

Chesty Bonds

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#6
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#6
It probably leaks all the time. It'll be a slow leak so when the car is parked you'll probably end up with droplets under the car. My car was at 127,000km when my power-steering was replaced but mine is an E30 and I don't know which car you're referring to as there is a lack of information here.

Unless I can see the car I can't say with real conviction. Take the car to your mechanic and see what he thinks. It won't do any harm and you'll get better answers than on this forum.
 
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epj3

Senior Member
#8
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#8
Sounds like power steering (very very very common leak). Check the power steering fluid reservoir (passenger side). Grab the hoses underneith it.


10 bucks your hand is all dirty and covered in oil now. There's your problem.


If not, check the boots on the steering rack. Seals on the "rack" part of the steering system go bad and leak fluid into the boots that stretch with the tierods. Fluid sits in those boots and leaks when you turn.

Oh yea if its none of those its either a leaky water pump, a leaky thermostat housing, a leaky radiator (big possibility), or leaky oil pan gasket. Why don't you see which fluid is low? To me that seems like simple troubleshooting.
 
sm32589g

sm32589g

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#9
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#9
the power steering fluid level is fine (if it helps its red) my guess is the seal on the water pump is bad but ill try looking at the hoses near the steering resevoir
 
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epj3

Senior Member
#10
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#10
sm32589g said:
the power steering fluid level is fine (if it helps its red) my guess is the seal on the water pump is bad but ill try looking at the hoses near the steering resevoir
Click to expand...
Level is probably fine but it will still seep out. It doesnt take more than a drip or two to make a decent sized spot on pavement. If you let it go, in a month you will have less fluid.
 
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epj3

Senior Member
#12
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#12
sm32589g said:
no the power steering fluid is red and the leak is clear
Click to expand...
Clear on your fingertip or clear on a paper towel? The only clear fluid is gas.... Check where the rubber fuel lines attach to the solid lines under the car.
 
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