Glad I could help. Just a word of caution. If the pump is failing it may start to allow metal shavings to mix with the fluid which can lead to a rack and pinion failure. The internal seals fail due to the metal and fluid will fill the rubber boots on the rack which can be much more costly. I would recommend replacing the pump as soon as you can to help prevent secondary damage. Best wishes to you :)
Great video and did the trick for me on my 2008 530D Touring. Level was below dip stick and the steering had become almost reluctant and was grinding badly....I feared the worse. Purchased 1Li of the correct fluid (CHF 11S) and it took 450ml to get the level back to the correct dipstick mark. I rotated the steering wheel across the full range 4 or 5 times, each time topping up the fluid, before taking the car around the block for 10 minutes and doing a final top up. Worth noting that the fluid can look very milky during the process, which is the air in the system absorbed into the fluid. Fluid returns to clear after an hour or so rest. Steering is now completely silent and works like new. Now need to find out if there is a small leak somewhere in the system.
Hello Christina, If you change all the fluid and flush it out all the way you can use a different fluid. I would recommend ATF for your BMW. Fill and bleed then flush again and refill. Or you can use a product that BG makes that is universal. Most auto parts stores have this product.
Hi, question: I want to make sure I understood you correctly. So on BMWs, we use ATF (Automatic transmission fluid/oil) instead of power steering fluid ?
LOL. It is the power steering my friend :) Been working on BMW's for over 10 years now....It might say ATF on the cap but it is not the transmission fill point. BMW uses ATF for power steering fluid on this model. Almost all BMW transmission are sealed unit.
Could the seeping of the fluid cause a potential burning oil-like scent when coming in contact with hot surfaces? My 2006 X5 is having that burning oil scent and I haven’t been able to pinpoint the cause. Thanks!
Hello Sandra, It sounds like you may still have air in the system or a problem with the new pump. Make sure the drive belt is on correctly, fill up the reservoir, start the vehicle and then turn the wheel left to right lock to lock a few times. Shut the vehicle off and then recheck the level. Fill it again if needed as the air comes out you will need to add more fluid. Hopefully just a few bleeds will get you going.
Good video - really helped me with my E46 330d (UK model). I was lucky, I think my levels were just low, no hose breaks/leaks and no pump failure. Thanks again.... :o)
Hello Joe, Sorry for the lateness of the reply. You need to check the cap on your BMW power steering fluid to see what it states. If it says ATF you need to use automatic transmission fluid Dextron 6 or 7. If it says CHF11 this is pentosin CHF 11 you will need.
thanks - easy simple instructions, fixed the issue in no time without the need of expensive garage. The fluid chamber was completely empty so does that mean there might be a leak that will need fixing or is it normal for this to happen on an older car?
fozzeybear1 Hello, There is most likely a leak causing the fluid to be low. The most common is from the power steering lines themselves seeping out the fluid over time. Take a look around the reservoir lines for any sign of oil and dirt build up. Also check the rubber boots on the steering rack. If they are filling with fluid the seals in the rack are failing and the rack would need replacement but that is less common. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!
Hello, Correct. Take a look at the top of the cap and it should say either ATF or Pentosin 11s. Like on my E46 I would use Dextron ATF to fill the power steering system.
I have a BMW 325i 2004 E46, and don't know what kind of transmission fluid to use. I bought Castrol to fill it but worried if it's not the right one. Please help and let me know
I checked my reservoir and it was below the bottom line when cold so I topped up a little using ATF Elfmatic MV synthetic ATF. Cap says ATF only but now steering feels heavier?!! Car is E46 325ci 2005. Have I out in the wrong fluid? Also when I checked the fluid when the car was warm, the level was much higher than the top level. When should I be checking the levels? Thanks in advance!
Hello, The fluid can turn a reddish brown over time due to age. It sounds like the fluid level is ok. It would be a good step to replace the fluid and see if there is any improvement. With the noise this may be the beginning of a failing power steering pump. I hope the fluid change helps :)
Hello, Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for subscribing :) I have been trying to get caught up on replies but keep falling behind. I get quite a few :) Your vehicle will take Pentosin CHF 11S. You may need to get this at the dealer. Some common leaks are from the active sway bar which is tied into the power steering system and the power steering lines themselves.
Great video, hey I was at a drive through today. Car stopped driving or moving , I couldn’t switch gears . Couldn’t turn my wheel. Couldn’t take the key out until I finally did but the ride back home I could hardly spin the wheel. Felt liek I was turning on neutral.
Hello, What BMW do you own? The first thing that comes to mind is to check your drive belt and power steering system. Let me know some more detail and I may be able to help further.
I have a bmw 328i 2008 sedan, now the battery light is on. idk what the problem may be it’s very frustrating. If it’s the power steering system what may I have to replace ?
Hello, A battery light and loss of power steering can indicate that there is a problem with your drive belts. This can be caused from oil leaks that get onto the rubber of the drive belts and they can come apart. I would start with a visual inspection of the front of the engine to check your belts and for any oil leaks. You can send me a picture by contacting me via my website at www.askthecarexperts.com
Correct. Some BMWs use pentosin 11s and not ATF. BMW does not use traditional power steering fluid. Check your cap for the correct fluid. Mixing can cause damage.
Thanks for the video. I have a 2011 BMW 3 series and the cap is different I have two lines. Your instructions state from the bottom to the top is full. So I assume if the fluid level is past the top line it is fine, however I have two lines what happens if it just above the first line closest to the end of the dipstick, am I to assume this is the low level line. Thanks for your help
Hello, I do not feel that the entire filter needs to be changed as long as the fluid is kept clean. 30K flushes would definitely keep things clean :) The fluid is really just a special hydraulic fluid. It can sometimes help eliminate noises in the system. I suspect it is good for the seals as well.
Just subbed and liked as well. I have a 2004 745LI does it take any special PSF or can I just go to the local auto-zone and get something? what would you recommend? Also are leaks from this device pretty common? if so where is the leak usually from? Thanks Dude.
Hello Ronaldo, BMW specific coolant amzn.to/39IRYns and you will need to check the cap for the correct power steering fluid. It can be regular ATF automatic transmission fluid such as dextron or Pentosin 11 S which is a hydaulic fluid.
Thank you for the quick response!! Will do.. one more question.. I some people using ATF/MERC and some saying to use the pension (whatever its called). I have a 94 e32 740i with 87k on it.. thank you again!!
Hello rmasco71, I think most older BMW's used ATF (dextron). Later models then switched to pentosin. If you do a full flush you can switch to one or the other. Most of the caps should have a stamp on it as well so take a good look at the cap to see if it says pentosin or ATF. I have not seen a 94 740 in my shop for quite some time so I do not remember what specific fluid this one takes. I do remember some systems using pentosin but it should be marked on the cap to verify which fluid to use. Let me know if you have any trouble and I can ask one of the older techs I work with to see if they remember the specific fluid.
Yeah I have the pentosin chf 11s.. when I'm fill and bleeding am I putting cap on to start car? Or just leave off and fill start bleed.. shut off and repeat until desired level is reached?
To fill and bleed you will need to first top off the fluid. Then put the cap on. Then start the vehicle and turn the wheel left to right full lock to lock a few times. Then shut off the vehicle and recheck the level. Top off and repeat as needed :)
thank you for this information. it was very helpful. you seem very knowledgeable about bmws so i'd like to ask you . . . my 1995 bmw 525i seized about a month ago when i was on the freeway. the steering wheel locked up, brake lights came on and white smoke was coming into the car. would you happen to know what that could be. i got a lube and oil job done about a month before. right after i had gotten it the car wasn't running properly, i should have taken it right back but didn't think much of it. anything you can provide will be appreciated. : )
Hello Gia, I would not be able to guess on what may have failed. It may be that the belts came off due to a failure attached to the engine or maybe the engine itself has seized. No way for me to tell without physical contact with the vehicle. I wish you the best.
So I notice in the BavarianAuto video they change the whole reservoir to change the filter after sucking up the power steering fluid in there. Is this really necessary much - would you say just sucking up and refilling the power steering fluid in the reservoir every 30K would be sufficient for preventative care? Also what's so special about Pentosin CHF 11.S? The stuff is quite expensive.
Hello rmasco71, I would avoid any stop leak at all costs. Better to keep adding fluid until you can fix the problem. Stop leak can lead to bigger problems like clogs and component failures such as the pump.
Hello, Check your cap to see if is shows as 11s which would be Pentosin 11s or ATF which is transmission fluid. This BMW uses ATF transmission fluid. I hope this helps.
I've noticed recently that my BMW's steering has been making that "groaning" type of sound while I steer. So while at Target earlier today, I purchased STP Power Steering Fluid. Before using it I thought Id do some research and found that I shouldn't use it? What should I use exactly? This is my first BMW, actually my 2nd car in general. My knowledge is weak in the Automotive field. Any suggestions before I possibly make a stupid mistake? Thanks!
Hello, Do not mix power steering fluids as they can cause a failure in the components if not compatible. Check the cap for what fluid to use. It should be either ATF automatic transmission fluid or pentosin 11s. I hope this helps :)
Thank you for the great comment. The technology changes are amazing and the driving experience of a BMW is amazing :) If I can help with any problem you have with your BMW's let me know :)
Glad I could help. Just a word of caution. If the pump is failing it may start to allow metal shavings to mix with the fluid which can lead to a rack and pinion failure. The internal seals fail due to the metal and fluid will fill the rubber boots on the rack which can be much more costly. I would recommend replacing the pump as soon as you can to help prevent secondary damage. Best wishes to you :)
So let me get this straight, the Power Steering reservoir does not use power steering fluid, but rather Automatic Transmission Fluid?
Great video and did the trick for me on my 2008 530D Touring. Level was below dip stick and the steering had become almost reluctant and was grinding badly....I feared the worse. Purchased 1Li of the correct fluid (CHF 11S) and it took 450ml to get the level back to the correct dipstick mark. I rotated the steering wheel across the full range 4 or 5 times, each time topping up the fluid, before taking the car around the block for 10 minutes and doing a final top up. Worth noting that the fluid can look very milky during the process, which is the air in the system absorbed into the fluid. Fluid returns to clear after an hour or so rest. Steering is now completely silent and works like new. Now need to find out if there is a small leak somewhere in the system.
Hello Christina, If you change all the fluid and flush it out all the way you can use a different fluid. I would recommend ATF for your BMW. Fill and bleed then flush again and refill. Or you can use a product that BG makes that is universal. Most auto parts stores have this product.
Hi, question: I want to make sure I understood you correctly. So on BMWs, we use ATF (Automatic transmission fluid/oil) instead of power steering fluid ?
Martin Lamas ya fr fr
thanks for taking your time and creating this video. Have a great day!
LOL. It is the power steering my friend :) Been working on BMW's for over 10 years now....It might say ATF on the cap but it is not the transmission fill point. BMW uses ATF for power steering fluid on this model. Almost all BMW transmission are sealed unit.
Very helpful!! I am getting the symptoms described and I wasn't sure what fluid to put in there because my car is manual transmission.
Could the seeping of the fluid cause a potential burning oil-like scent when coming in contact with hot surfaces? My 2006 X5 is having that burning oil scent and I haven’t been able to pinpoint the cause. Thanks!
Hello Sandra, It sounds like you may still have air in the system or a problem with the new pump. Make sure the drive belt is on correctly, fill up the reservoir, start the vehicle and then turn the wheel left to right lock to lock a few times. Shut the vehicle off and then recheck the level. Fill it again if needed as the air comes out you will need to add more fluid. Hopefully just a few bleeds will get you going.
Good video - really helped me with my E46 330d (UK model). I was lucky, I think my levels were just low, no hose breaks/leaks and no pump failure. Thanks again.... :o)
Hello Joe, Sorry for the lateness of the reply. You need to check the cap on your BMW power steering fluid to see what it states. If it says ATF you need to use automatic transmission fluid Dextron 6 or 7. If it says CHF11 this is pentosin CHF 11 you will need.
Anyone noticed that loud ass bird in the background 😂
Kevin Calderon Notice? It made me jump!
+Kevin Calderon Android Notification.
thanks - easy simple instructions, fixed the issue in no time without the need of expensive garage. The fluid chamber was completely empty so does that mean there might be a leak that will need fixing or is it normal for this to happen on an older car?
fozzeybear1 Hello, There is most likely a leak causing the fluid to be low. The most common is from the power steering lines themselves seeping out the fluid over time. Take a look around the reservoir lines for any sign of oil and dirt build up. Also check the rubber boots on the steering rack. If they are filling with fluid the seals in the rack are failing and the rack would need replacement but that is less common. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!
Hello, Correct. Take a look at the top of the cap and it should say either ATF or Pentosin 11s. Like on my E46 I would use Dextron ATF to fill the power steering system.
Thank you man I'm subscribing.
I have a BMW 325i 2004 E46, and don't know what kind of transmission fluid to use. I bought Castrol to fill it but worried if it's not the right one. Please help and let me know
Big help! Thank you!
Atf or power steering fluid
Thank you big help just making sure if I had to fill up to the top or not
Hi there, I have a e92 m3, I'm having a shimmering sensation when driving, pulls by itself left to right at times, doesn't always happen though
I checked my reservoir and it was below the bottom line when cold so I topped up a little using ATF Elfmatic MV synthetic ATF. Cap says ATF only but now steering feels heavier?!! Car is E46 325ci 2005. Have I out in the wrong fluid? Also when I checked the fluid when the car was warm, the level was much higher than the top level. When should I be checking the levels? Thanks in advance!
Hello, The fluid can turn a reddish brown over time due to age. It sounds like the fluid level is ok. It would be a good step to replace the fluid and see if there is any improvement. With the noise this may be the beginning of a failing power steering pump. I hope the fluid change helps :)
Hello, Sorry for the late reply. Thanks for subscribing :) I have been trying to get caught up on replies but keep falling behind. I get quite a few :) Your vehicle will take Pentosin CHF 11S. You may need to get this at the dealer. Some common leaks are from the active sway bar which is tied into the power steering system and the power steering lines themselves.
Great video, hey I was at a drive through today. Car stopped driving or moving , I couldn’t switch gears . Couldn’t turn my wheel. Couldn’t take the key out until I finally did but the ride back home I could hardly spin the wheel. Felt liek I was turning on neutral.
Hello, What BMW do you own? The first thing that comes to mind is to check your drive belt and power steering system. Let me know some more detail and I may be able to help further.
I have a bmw 328i 2008 sedan, now the battery light is on. idk what the problem may be it’s very frustrating. If it’s the power steering system what may I have to replace ?
Hello, A battery light and loss of power steering can indicate that there is a problem with your drive belts. This can be caused from oil leaks that get onto the rubber of the drive belts and they can come apart. I would start with a visual inspection of the front of the engine to check your belts and for any oil leaks. You can send me a picture by contacting me via my website at www.askthecarexperts.com
You are using transmission fluid notnsteering fluid??? This is for a steering fluid??
Correct. Some BMWs use pentosin 11s and not ATF. BMW does not use traditional power steering fluid. Check your cap for the correct fluid. Mixing can cause damage.
Thanks for the video. I have a 2011 BMW 3 series and the cap is different I have two lines. Your instructions state from the bottom to the top is full. So I assume if the fluid level is past the top line it is fine, however I have two lines what happens if it just above the first line closest to the end of the dipstick, am I to assume this is the low level line. Thanks for your help
Tnx for the help I needed this really
There's a rubber o ring on the cap that needs replacing when oil leaks out of the cap
These also have a small weep hole that always releases some fluid due to pressure changes in the system.
Yes but I never have leaks from there. Its always the O ring from my experience.@@AskTheCarExperts
Hi I just changed my power steering pump but when I turn my steering wheel it is kinda of hard to turn.
Hello, I do not feel that the entire filter needs to be changed as long as the fluid is kept clean. 30K flushes would definitely keep things clean :) The fluid is really just a special hydraulic fluid. It can sometimes help eliminate noises in the system. I suspect it is good for the seals as well.
Hello Mylissa, Thank you for the great comment and watching my video. I am very happy it was helpful to you :)
Very helpful . thank you.
thank you.Big help!
Just subbed and liked as well. I have a 2004 745LI does it take any special PSF or can I just go to the local auto-zone and get something? what would you recommend?
Also are leaks from this device pretty common? if so where is the leak usually from?
Thanks Dude.
Thanks for the commet :) I am glad my video was helpful!
What kind of coolant and steering fluid do u use
Hello Ronaldo, BMW specific coolant amzn.to/39IRYns
and you will need to check the cap for the correct power steering fluid. It can be regular ATF automatic transmission fluid such as dextron or Pentosin 11 S which is a hydaulic fluid.
@@AskTheCarExperts ok
Thank you for the quick response!! Will do.. one more question.. I some people using ATF/MERC and some saying to use the pension (whatever its called). I have a 94 e32 740i with 87k on it.. thank you again!!
Hello rmasco71, I think most older BMW's used ATF (dextron). Later models then switched to pentosin. If you do a full flush you can switch to one or the other. Most of the caps should have a stamp on it as well so take a good look at the cap to see if it says pentosin or ATF. I have not seen a 94 740 in my shop for quite some time so I do not remember what specific fluid this one takes. I do remember some systems using pentosin but it should be marked on the cap to verify which fluid to use. Let me know if you have any trouble and I can ask one of the older techs I work with to see if they remember the specific fluid.
many thanks!
Yeah I have the pentosin chf 11s.. when I'm fill and bleeding am I putting cap on to start car? Or just leave off and fill start bleed.. shut off and repeat until desired level is reached?
To fill and bleed you will need to first top off the fluid. Then put the cap on. Then start the vehicle and turn the wheel left to right full lock to lock a few times. Then shut off the vehicle and recheck the level. Top off and repeat as needed :)
thank you for this information. it was very helpful.
you seem very knowledgeable about bmws so i'd like to ask you . . . my 1995 bmw 525i seized about a month ago when i was on the freeway. the steering wheel locked up, brake lights came on and white smoke was coming into the car. would you happen to know what that could be. i got a lube and oil job done about a month before. right after i had gotten it the car wasn't running properly, i should have taken it right back but didn't think much of it. anything you can provide will be appreciated. : )
Hello Gia, I would not be able to guess on what may have failed. It may be that the belts came off due to a failure attached to the engine or maybe the engine itself has seized. No way for me to tell without physical contact with the vehicle. I wish you the best.
thank for your time. its so old, i'm debating if i want to keep it. all the best
So I notice in the BavarianAuto video they change the whole reservoir to change the filter after sucking up the power steering fluid in there. Is this really necessary much - would you say just sucking up and refilling the power steering fluid in the reservoir every 30K would be sufficient for preventative care?
Also what's so special about Pentosin CHF 11.S? The stuff is quite expensive.
Do I have to check the lvl when its cold or warm up? Cant know
I like to check power steering fluid when cold.
Anytime :) I hope it does not turn out to be too expensive!
Would you dare to add Lucas stop leak?? Just asking cause I see mine has a very slow leak and its far to cold to work on it
Hello rmasco71, I would avoid any stop leak at all costs. Better to keep adding fluid until you can fix the problem. Stop leak can lead to bigger problems like clogs and component failures such as the pump.
Power steering or transmission fluid??
Hello, Check your cap to see if is shows as 11s which would be Pentosin 11s or ATF which is transmission fluid. This BMW uses ATF transmission fluid. I hope this helps.
Glad I could help :)
I think the reservoir is a bit hidden but it is the same procedure :)
Hello..I have bmw325i ,the problem is when I turn my steering left or right it makes a noise and shaking my car .plz help me
hi, is it the same on a 1997 e36 328i auto??
Hello Sam, Is your power steering fluid level good on your BMW? What type of noise do you hear? Clunking, creaking, groaning?
Thanks
I've noticed recently that my BMW's steering has been making that "groaning" type of sound while I steer. So while at Target earlier today, I purchased STP Power Steering Fluid. Before using it I thought Id do some research and found that I shouldn't use it? What should I use exactly? This is my first BMW, actually my 2nd car in general. My knowledge is weak in the Automotive field. Any suggestions before I possibly make a stupid mistake? Thanks!
What type of Power a steering do you use ?
You have to look on the cap for your BMW. It will either be ATF (Dextron) or Pentosin 11s.
thanks!!
Thanks!!
Hello, Correct. This would be the same procedure. :)
Is it okay to mix other brand power steering fluid or not? Are all power steering fluid is the same? Or each car has there own type of fluid?
Hello, Do not mix power steering fluids as they can cause a failure in the components if not compatible. Check the cap for what fluid to use. It should be either ATF automatic transmission fluid or pentosin 11s. I hope this helps :)
Thank you for the great comment. The technology changes are amazing and the driving experience of a BMW is amazing :) If I can help with any problem you have with your BMW's let me know :)
Thanks for watching :)
That's not the power steering
Power Steering Fluid*