Power Steering Fluid

BigDog · 12-31-2009, 10:16 AM

What's the best way to replace the power steering fluid on your own? Also, which is the preferable brand to use?

Thanks!

raceyBMW · 12-31-2009, 10:34 AM

You can ONLY use the type stamped on the PS reservoir lid...which if memory serves me correctly is Pentosin CHF 11s...it comes in a green can and can be had at the Dealer or Napa.

Usually the best way to drain the PS fluid is to pull the drain on the PS box, or pull a hose, and turn the wheel left and right to evacuate the PS box. Then just fill and turn the wheels again to bleed the system of air.

If someone has access to the Bentley, it shows in there...mine is at home and I am at work right now.

Ryan323i · 12-31-2009, 02:37 PM

How often do you guys change the power steering fluid? BMW and the bentley manual say it never needs changed.

BayMoWe335 · 12-31-2009, 03:20 PM

Why are you changing it?

CirrusSR22 · 12-31-2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkRyan323

How often do you guys change the power steering fluid? BMW and the bentley manual say it never needs changed.

100,000 miles is a good mark, if not less.

The old power steering fluid (ATF) in my E36 made the steering almost impossibly stiff when the temps were very cold. Fresh fluid cured it all.

raceyBMW · 12-31-2009, 04:08 PM

According to Mike Millers "Old School Maint. Schedule", he recommends changing every 30k miles. BMW says lifetime on the E9x, but my '94 530i takes the same fluid, and it wasn't considered lifetime then.

BTW, its not always CHF 11s I was wrong, check the PS reservoir cap before you fill, because some may take ATF.

The Bentley says to drain the power steering fluid reservoir with a syringe, and then detach the low pressure fluid hose on the pump. I am not sure if any special steps need to be taken for those with active steering, but I would guess it would. Would need the BMW TIS to verify.

elfhearse · 12-31-2009, 09:15 PM

syringe = turkey baster. ( I use one for removing brake fluid too)

12-31-2009, 10:16 AM	#1
BigDog Major 323 Rep 1,080 Posts Drives: YMB F80 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (1)	Power Steering Fluid What's the best way to replace the power steering fluid on your own? Also, which is the preferable brand to use? Thanks! __________________
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12-31-2009, 10:34 AM	#2
raceyBMW king of the hills 92 Rep 2,915 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 w/ESS55, 2001 540i/6 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arvada, CO iTrader: (1) Garage List 2001 BMW 540i/6 [8.17] 1994 530i [9.00] 2007 335i Coupe [8.37]	You can ONLY use the type stamped on the PS reservoir lid...which if memory serves me correctly is Pentosin CHF 11s...it comes in a green can and can be had at the Dealer or Napa. Usually the best way to drain the PS fluid is to pull the drain on the PS box, or pull a hose, and turn the wheel left and right to evacuate the PS box. Then just fill and turn the wheels again to bleed the system of air. If someone has access to the Bentley, it shows in there...mine is at home and I am at work right now.
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12-31-2009, 02:37 PM	#3
Ryan323i Captain 22 Rep 844 Posts Drives: 2015 320i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (0)	How often do you guys change the power steering fluid? BMW and the bentley manual say it never needs changed. __________________ 2015 320i xDrive \| Imperial Blue Metallic/Black SensaTec \| Sport Package \| Lighting Package \| Moonroof \| Heated front seats Past BMWs: 2006 330i, 2000 323i
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12-31-2009, 03:20 PM	#4
BayMoWe335 Colonel 1179 Rep 2,132 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Why are you changing it?
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12-31-2009, 04:08 PM	#6
raceyBMW king of the hills 92 Rep 2,915 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 w/ESS55, 2001 540i/6 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arvada, CO iTrader: (1) Garage List 2001 BMW 540i/6 [8.17] 1994 530i [9.00] 2007 335i Coupe [8.37]	According to Mike Millers "Old School Maint. Schedule", he recommends changing every 30k miles. BMW says lifetime on the E9x, but my '94 530i takes the same fluid, and it wasn't considered lifetime then. BTW, its not always CHF 11s I was wrong, check the PS reservoir cap before you fill, because some may take ATF. The Bentley says to drain the power steering fluid reservoir with a syringe, and then detach the low pressure fluid hose on the pump. I am not sure if any special steps need to be taken for those with active steering, but I would guess it would. Would need the BMW TIS to verify.
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12-31-2009, 09:15 PM	#7
elfhearse CW5 9 Rep 164 Posts Drives: 14 x28iS/10 e91M/00 Z3MC Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SE PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW x28i [0.00] 2010 328iT [0.00]	syringe = turkey baster. ( I use one for removing brake fluid too) __________________ CURRENT: 10 328iT ZMP-6spd, 00 Z3 MCoupe, 76 2002 stg.2 5 speed PAST: 96 318ti Cali, 03 325Ci, 00 Z3 M Roadster, 99 Z3 2.8 Coupe, 14 X128i M-Sport14 Z4 28i Sport 6-spd
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