[Gecko123]

When do you replace the power steering reservoir. After how many miles?
Apparently the filter is inside the reservoir so the whole unit needs to be replace

[Efthreeoh]

Mine is at 388,300 miles as of today.

[Gecko123]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Mine is at 388,300 miles as of today.

So when did you change it?

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by Gecko123

So when did you change it?

I think it's clear by that mileage that he hasn't.

[WoodE30]

Originally Posted by Gecko123

When do you replace the power steering reservoir. After how many miles?
Apparently the filter is inside the reservoir so the whole unit needs to be replace

There's really no need to replace it but if you feel like spending the money on one it won't hurt anything.

[BMWinAZ]

I did this about 10k miles ago at around 75k miles. There was a FCP Euro kit at the time (probably still is) for around $40 if I recall correctly. I drained the fluid from bottom of the car by disconnecting a hydraulic line from the steering box. The whole process was fairly easy. There was no real reason to perform this task at that time. I did it because I don't believe in „lifetime" fluids (the old fluid looked a lot darker and dirtier than the new one) and to prolong the life of the power steering pump (my opinion).

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Gecko123

So when did you change it?

NBA is correct; I've not changed it. I have, however, changed out the fluid twice at 151,000 and 270,000 miles. Not sure why one would need to change out the reservoir just because it has a filter. IMO the more you open up the PS system, the better chance of getting contaminates into the system.

I suck out the reservoir with my oil extractor, then open up a banjo bolt on the steering box to drain the fluid in the lines. Then refill. I'd expect those few seconds of running the pump dry until it purges the air out of the system is not good for it, which is why I don't do it very often.

My 2 cents

[relative4]

By turning the wheel lock-to-lock a bunch of times, you can purge pretty much all of the air and avoid that unhappy dry pump moaning on the first startup.
I turn the left wheel, not the steering wheel, so I can watch the air bubble out in the reservoir.

[CTinline-six]

I just do a drain and fill twice on the reservoir every 50k miles or so. Super easy to do, no running the pump dry, and it keeps the fluid in pretty good condition.