Replace power steering reservoir?

[cn90]

In my case, someone had been there before (previous mechanic).
Factory is Oetiker.
Replace it with regular clamp.

I wrote the tricks here:

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...re-attach.html

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder

Thanks very much to all for the input. I'm leaning with just going ahead and replacing the reservoir because it's old, it's plastic, it's not very expensive, and I'm in there anyway.

The tips for dealing with the return hose will no doubt come in handy down the road somewhere (and that FPC tool looks like an incredibly simple solution), but the leak I have is from the feed hose (the hose that runs between the reservoir and the pump.) It does have funky clamps, too. Are those just regular Oetiker clamps or something BMW specific?

Thanks and regards,
Chris

The factory BMW clamps are a PITA and require a specific tool to release and reconnect. I would just use a normal worm gear clamp without the gear cutouts all the way around the clamp.

[Bottomfeeder]

Thanks for the advice to all - parts are ordered, just waitin'. Will look forward to not seeing that little puddle on the floor.

Best regards,
Chris

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by Overboost

$13 at FCP. Never let me down on both my BMWs power steering hose replacement jobs.

Supposed to work for the hoses from the trans to the trans cooler too.

[cn90]

I don't mind paying $30-$40 for Rein or BMW...but...
This is just a standard "Transmission cooler type" hose.

Question: has anyone here used standard trans hose for
a few dollars at local auto parts store?

[Bottomfeeder]

Parts are coming in tomorrow. I sprung for that nifty $13 tool from FCP Euro and also decided to replace the return hose since it seemed a little oily where it connects to the reservoir.

Final question, I hope: I had not planned on draining all the fluid, just topping up. Considering that the fluid is almost certainly original (car has 31K miles) do y'all have any recommendations for what to use to top it up with? Manual specs Dexron III, but I'm out in the country and having trouble finding it locally.

Recommendations/advice greatly appreciated!

-Chris

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder

Parts are coming in tomorrow. I sprung for that nifty $13 tool from FCP Euro and also decided to replace the return hose since it seemed a little oily where it connects to the reservoir.

Final question, I hope: I had not planned on draining all the fluid, just topping up. Considering that the fluid is almost certainly original (car has 31K miles) do y'all have any recommendations for what to use to top it up with? Manual specs Dexron III, but I'm out in the country and having trouble finding it locally.

Recommendations/advice greatly appreciated!

-Chris

Not sure you will be able to find any Dexron III anymore. I replaced my entire power steering system in my E46 and used Dexron VI, the same Valvoline Maxlife fluid I used in my E53 transmission service.

[Bottomfeeder]

Originally Posted by Overboost

Not sure you will be able to find any Dexron III anymore. I replaced my entire power steering system in my E46 and used Dexron VI, the same Valvoline Maxlife fluid I used in my E53 transmission service.

Thanks very much - I'll give that a try. Dexron III does seem to be NLA.

-Chris

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by Bottomfeeder

Thanks very much - I'll give that a try. Dexron III does seem to be NLA.

-Chris

Dexron VI is compatible with Dexron III. But honestly, I would change it all out. You can leave the Dexron III in the pump, rack and lines and just replace the fluid in the reservoir but I simply took a 1/2" hose and connected it to the return line and flushed it into a bucket on the floor. You need to constantly pour into the reservoir as it moves a lot of fluid when running.

[Bottomfeeder]

Originally Posted by Overboost

Dexron VI is compatible with Dexron III. But honestly, I would change it all out. You can leave the Dexron III in the pump, rack and lines and just replace the fluid in the reservoir but I simply took a 1/2" hose and connected it to the return line and flushed it into a bucket on the floor. You need to constantly pour into the reservoir as it moves a lot of fluid when running.

Makes sense. Even though the mileage is low, at 16 years old it's probably worth doing. Think two quarts will do it? I haven't found the capacity listed in the Bentley manual.

Thanks again,
Chris