A few dumb questions...

smdimjesus · #1 12-14-2021, 06:03 PM

E53 06 x5, 150k miles. I've had the car for maybe 2 years and put 50k miles on it. I've had some bad oil leaks but have replaced valve cover gasket (got most of it) and I'm currently doing the oil filter housing gasket (hope thats the other issue). I've also done the CCV, although I'm not sure one of the lines is properly secured. I'm going to try and diagnose the residual leaks by myself, but any input is appreciated. Some oil has also appears ontop of the upper intake boot and around the DISA valve.

My goal with the vehicle is to ensure its longevity, if you can, suggestions of any crucial parts to replace at this mileage would be appreciated, I've replaced so far; rear rotors, all brake pads, spark plugs, both belts, upper radiator hose, valve cover, manifold gasket cover, DISA O-ring, fuel injector o-rings, throttle body gasket, upper intake boot, fuel filter, and the bank 1 sensor 2 O2 sensor.

I've always noticed quit a bit of oil residue under the hood, but after changing CCV and OFHG it has become apparent that there is a very substantial amount. Its bad. My alternator was completely covered and there was sludge inside to, the power steering pump and pulley was horrible as well. There was actually oil inside of the cooling hose for the alternator. I couldn't even see the hose itself or any components related to it as they blend in. Everything on the right side of the engine bay next to the intake manifold is absolutely caked. Is there anything there that requires dire attention for cleaning or replacement?

1. What are some key components to replace under the hood at 150k?
2. Has the soiling of the engine bay called for additional replacement parts?(if not already necessary to replace at this interval)
3. How do I remove the caked oil residue?
4. What are the negative consequences of allowing this build-up going to be?

If there are any questions I will try to answer promptly and clarify, apologies if my post is formatted poorly. and as always thank you in advance.

X5chemist · #2 12-14-2021, 06:19 PM

Replace the two hoses attached to the power steering reservoir. I did mine three weeks ago. The OEM clamps are a bad design. Plus hoses are brittle. The leak destroyed an OEM alternator. Since replacing the hoses, no more power steering fluid has been lost.

The brace plate under the engine also has a foam pad! The pad holds a lot of oil. It can leak oil for a long time. I learned about the foam pad here. While the alternator is out and battery disconnected, pressure wash the entire area.

smdimjesus · #3 12-14-2021, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Replace the two hoses attached to the power steering reservoir. I did mine three weeks ago. The OEM clamps are a bad design. Plus hoses are brittle. The leak destroyed an OEM alternator. Since replacing the hoses, no more power steering fluid has been lost.

The brace plate under the engine also has a foam pad! The pad holds a lot of oil. It can leak oil for a long time. I learned about the foam pad here. While the alternator is out and battery disconnected, pressure wash the entire area.

Right on, I was eyeing the power steering reservoir, mine has quite the buildup on the sides and underneath. I found it empty when I removed a hose trying to create room for OFHG.

And yeah, that foam pad is caked caked. Maybe a half inch

smdimjesus · #4 12-14-2021, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Replace the two hoses attached to the power steering reservoir. I did mine three weeks ago. The OEM clamps are a bad design. Plus hoses are brittle. The leak destroyed an OEM alternator. Since replacing the hoses, no more power steering fluid has been lost.

The brace plate under the engine also has a foam pad! The pad holds a lot of oil. It can leak oil for a long time. I learned about the foam pad here. While the alternator is out and battery disconnected, pressure wash the entire area.

also, do I buy the hose as a part or can I buy x feet of hose and cut it myself?

EODguy · #5 12-14-2021, 10:34 PM

www.realoem.com
Great for getting your specific part numbers by inputting your ViN.

Some hoses seem to be gold plated when you order from the stealership, but if you have the old hoses off many times you can get them custom made at a local farm/hydraulic shop cheaper (not always.)

For oil and grease clean up I recommend Oil Eater as it has been the best I've ever tried. I have zero affiliation with the product I just think it's the best for the price.

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

X5chemist · #6 12-15-2021, 03:38 PM

Buy the bended hoses. One hose has a special connection and clamp on one end. The other hose clamps on both ends. Buy the reservoir too. It has a filter at the bottom. I kept my original cap and swapped o-rings. I kept the original cap since it said ATF on it. The new reservoir cap had no label.