Power steering and engine oil leaks

Hal88 · #1 03-06-2018, 07:46 PM

So I went to replace the airbags under the recall, when they inspected my car they recommend to replace pwr steering pump and oil pan seal to the tune of around $4000, I have no puddles or any leaks that I can see from the top of the engine.
Its a 2013 X35i with only 65k miles....WTF!!!!
Does anyone know of a good indy place in Orange couty CA?

CoolShirtDude · #2 03-07-2018, 03:23 PM

You might want to contact Westcoast Autobahn
841 W. Collins Avenue Orange, CA 92867 714-922-0251

The PO of my X3 had a lot of maintenance done there. Looking at the invoices the I received with the car their prices seem fair. Battery, Valve Cover Gaskets, etc. No other first hand experience with them.

I've also have heard good things said about Orange Motors, 150 E Lincoln Ave, Orange, CA 92865 (714) 283-8600

No affiliation with either shop, but they would be the first two I would look into.

Nanniepoo · #3 03-07-2018, 05:28 PM

Definitely get a second opinion. Had our X5 in for something and supposedly they found the valve cover gaskets and timing cover gasket leaking.

2 months later when the oil cooler gasket blew up I asked the indy to double check for other leaks and they didn't find any.

Entropy · #4 03-07-2018, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nanniepoo

Definitely get a second opinion.

Agreed. I had a leaky oil thermostat gasket that an indy BMW shop diagnosed as a faulty oil pan gasket. That would have been an expensive mistake had I believed them. I replaced the thermostat gasket myself for less than $20.

Hal88 · #5 03-07-2018, 11:05 PM

Thank you for the info. I did call a couple of indy places and I will defenetely get a second opinion.

ard · #6 03-08-2018, 01:43 AM

While any car mechanic can screw you by recommending services that really arent needed, it seems dealerships (all of them) have really raised this to an art form. Indeed, they will pre-load their inspection programs with common issues for many cars. "Recommend replacemnet of the idler pulley and belts" is a classic.

Or someone sees some seepage of oil under an engine and 'replace upper and lower pan gaskets'. Or someone tops off PS fluid, next inspection there is residue, and 'replace, blah blah'

personally I wait until I get a drip on the floor....

GL

Hal88 · #7 03-08-2018, 09:37 PM

Absolutely, I have checked myself and saw no leaks of power steering fluid
I will raise the truck and check the bottom as well

Mackskibum · #8 03-09-2018, 01:05 AM

One note of caution on ps leaks. Pay close attention to the crimps on the hoses. Routing can be interesting with a banjo to rubber to crimp to bent steel to rubber to banjo on both pressure and return. My 535xi went from drips to leak to quart of fluid in 50 miles when a crimp connection failed. 2 quarts of Pentosin and made it home with no hydraulic damage. Maybe an anomaly but worth a serious look. Typically if PS is low, there's a leak. Find where it went and make an informed decision. Just sharing my own experience.

Hal88 · #9 03-10-2018, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mackskibum

One note of caution on ps leaks. Pay close attention to the crimps on the hoses. Routing can be interesting with a banjo to rubber to crimp to bent steel to rubber to banjo on both pressure and return. My 535xi went from drips to leak to quart of fluid in 50 miles when a crimp connection failed. 2 quarts of Pentosin and made it home with no hydraulic damage. Maybe an anomaly but worth a serious look. Typically if PS is low, there's a leak. Find where it went and make an informed decision. Just sharing my own experience.

Good tip, thank u.