Power Steering Fluid Leak

[billdo]

Here is the leak on the supply line:

[ants_oz]

Looking at that pic of the supply line - the leak would need to be VERY close to that location in order for the fluid to remain there in that condition for so long. Generally the further away you get from the source of a leak, the dirtier the surface and the leaking fluid will become (from picking up foreign matter).

[upallnight]

Pinch clamp is losing its grip on the hose or the hose is leaking.

[billdo]

I ran the car while looking under there and it leaked right at the hose clamp, and the hp line is toast.

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[SMOKEY53]

I think it's doable - the fact you're down in the engine bay indicates you're willing to get your hands dirty! From the look of the parts, they mostly look like clamp or banjo type fittings. Nothing too scary.

Did a quick google for a DIY, lots of similar guides for e46 and e39, but couldn't find an e53 specific.....I'm sure there is one if you look though. Just drain they system, remove offending lines. Clean everything down, reinstall, fill, bleed and check for leaks...

Parts are not cheap.......

2006 BMW X5 4.8is Sport Utility - Steering System - Page 1

[SMOKEY53]

http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E5...owse/steering/

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by billdo

Last week as part of my 100k maintenance I changed the PS reservoir and fluid. I did not have a leak prior to this. When I opened up the old reservoir I notice the fluid was quite low.

After replacing the res I filled it with fluid, and after that I noticed a leak. After parking the car there is always a small puddle of fluid. I figured I must have put a hose on wrong, so I took it all apart again and found no leaks at the hose connections to the reservoir. The alternator shows no fluid on it and the res is clean.

Now that the fluid is low again in the res the leak seems to have gone away. The PS seems OK, but something must be wrong. Any ideas?

Is at the rack? Do I have to remove the stiffener plate to find out?

You might had used the wrong fluid. Some racks uses ATF fluid and some rack uses pentosin CHF 11s. What did the cap on the reservoir indicated as the correct fluid?

[bcredliner]

Good to see you have located the problem.

[billdo]

Cap said atf. I have been told I can put the pentosin in it. So I am gonna do that this time.

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[squidzilla]

Strange how they would say you can mix atf and hydro fluid. On my 545i, it is very clear not to mix the two types of fluid. ATF is cheap compared to Pentosin hydo fluid, Dex3 vs CHF right? I would keep to the atf for now since that is what has been in the power steering system.