Why does BMW use ATF fluid for power steering?

carcus

carcus

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My lower PS hose has a leak, went to get some power steering fluid with stop leak and only ATF is recommended. BMW says that power steering fluid can make the seals to the pump swell and leak. Anyone have any info? Guess I will try some ATF stop leak for the power steering. Seems kinda funny. Just one of those things that makes you go...hmmmmm.[:D]
 
A

AZRobert

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carcus said:
. BMW says that power steering fluid can make the seals to the pump swell and leak. Anyone have any info? .[:D]
Click to expand...
Stop leak (ATF or any other) will probably do the same thing - REALLY not recommended.
This stuff will get into your pump and rack. If these start to leak, you are really looking at big bucks to repair.
Right now, your probably only looking at $200 - $250 max (maybe only around $100 - $125)
If you mess up the rack and pump, it could easily get well over $1000 - $1600.
And it probably won't fix the leaky hose (stop leak swells up seals, not hoses).
I hope that this helps.
 
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CTBMW

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So... Don't use ATF? I have same problem and I've just been adding power steering fluid (Prestone). I know not to add "stop leak" fluids to any part of my car.
I don't want to seem dense. Power steering fluid is O.K., ATF is not ?
Thanks in advance,
-Mel
 
carcus

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Re: Re: Why does BMW use ATF fluid for power steering?

AZRobert said:
Stop leak (ATF or any other) will probably do the same thing - REALLY not recommended.
This stuff will get into your pump and rack. If these start to leak, you are really looking at big bucks to repair.
Right now, your probably only looking at $200 - $250 max (maybe only around $100 - $125)
If you mess up the rack and pump, it could easily get well over $1000 - $1600.
And it probably won't fix the leaky hose (stop leak swells up seals, not hoses).
I hope that this helps.
Click to expand...
Actually right now I am just looking at a 25-30 dollar PS hose so far.[thumb]

Just curious what happens if someone puts power steering fluid in it.....take Mel Weaver for example....hate to put you on the spot Mel.[;)]

Just curious.
 
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CTBMW

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Didn't put me on the spot-think nothing of it!
I am guessing there are more than two people out there with the same basic questions, and more thoughts on the problem than I've seen.
Could someone put it all together for the one person out there who is totally confused? (pretend you're talking to a 5 year old)
-Mel
Let me put it this way: I can wait to deal with this problem, I just would like to know what to add to my power steering fluid reservoir. Any help would be appreciated!
( I got lost on the last bunch of threads!)
 
carcus

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Mel Weaver said:
Didn't put me on the spot-think nothing of it!
I am guessing there are more than two people out there with the same basic questions, and more thoughts on the problem than I've seen.
Could someone put it all together for the one person out there who is totally confused? (pretend you're talking to a 5 year old)
-Mel
Let me put it this way: I can wait to deal with this problem, I just would like to know what to add to my power steering fluid reservoir. Any help would be appreciated!
( I got lost on the last bunch of threads!)
Click to expand...
Add ATF fluid as the owners manual calls for. I made the post as kinda a why type thing.[;)]
 
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