Power Steering Fluid leak

[pcy]

Hello,

My '97 328i (with 90k miles) has had power steering leak for atleast 3 months
since I owned it, albeit very minor (1 or 2 drops on the garage floor
overnight). Recently, I've had the power steering fluid changed.
Since then, the fluid is leaking more (like 5-10 drops over night).
I had the clamps changed, and tightened; that doesn't seem to fix it.

I am going to buy a new reservoir and a new hose (reservoir to pump).
$60 for those 2 parts. I will see if that fixes the leak.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Or, any other things I should replace?

 

[Abdoman]

This is a common problem - the ends of the hoses tend to deteriorate and the o-ring on the housing cap tend to leak. I would change the hoses first.

 

[pcy]

Thanks Abdoman; your suggestion makes sense (i.e., hose ends
deteriorating and the leak on the housing cap). I will replace them
and I will post the results.

Thanks again.

By the way, how do you guys remove the control arm bushings
on jack stands ?
I watched the mechanic replace those on my car. He eventually had
to use the welding torch and a power hammer(not sure what this tool is).
I paid him $120 for replacing control arm bushings (both sides) and for
power steeting fluid change. I think he really earned the money.

 

[bimwad]

pcy:
how did you get the hose clamps off? they seem to be an odd shaped clamp. does it
require a special tool? i have the same problem.

Bimwad

 

[mybabyM3]

The hose clamps just unscrew like a regular hose clamp. then get a flat plate small screw driver or whater works for you to pull the lip out of the clamp. This job was really easy just hard to get where you need to be. I had to do most of the job one handed because I couldn't get both hands where they needed to be. As far as replacement clamps. I just got an assortment pack from Wal-Mart. Tightened them down and my leaks have not come back. I did this repair about 5 days ago now. I wish I would have done it a couple of months ago when it started.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Are you sure the leak isn't coming from the actual steering rack and pinion joint?

 

[andreyiv]

I think I have a similar problem. About a year ago I noticed that my steering rack would grind right after braking hard. The fluid level was low, I added fluid and it has been good since up until a few weeks back when I noticed the wierd noises again, I added more fluid once more and its fine. Report back if its only the hoses or if its something more serious. I'd rather keep adding a few drops of fluid once a year than changing the rack.

 

[SKycity_BMW]

By the way, how do you guys remove the control arm bushings
on jack stands ?
I watched the mechanic replace those on my car. He eventually had
to use the welding torch and a power hammer(not sure what this tool is).
I paid him $120 for replacing control arm bushings (both sides) and for
power steeting fluid change. I think he really earned the money.

Here ya go . . . http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=200815