? changing power steering hoses
 

I just have a question about changing the power steering reservoir and hoses I know the hoses have clamps at the reservoir, but 1 hose has a quick release clip ,do I need a special tool for that or I should be able to just pull back on the clip with my fingers?

I think you are talking about the spring style hose clamps. You can use pliers, but they make a special tool that works well.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000F5JM0O

yeah the hose has a plastic piece that you slide up and compresses the metal tabs so you can get the hose off.

The tool I posted is for this style. Mine doesn't have a sliding plastic part...

heres a pic of my new hose.

I have not seen one of those before. Sorry.

Sometimes the spring clamps come with a plastic holder that holds them open so it doesn't deform the hose before it is installed. Do you think that is what this does?

The special tool is available on Amazon. I posted a picture on some previous posts.

This thing? It's new to me.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009VI9P62

k thanks guys for the info. looks like I might get away with a couple of flat screw drivers also .has anyone tried that?

Yep



Since I normally save money by doing it myself, I normally go and buy the right tool to do the repair. My dad who was an ASE cerftified mechanic taught me this very important lesson.

For under $20 I'd buy the right tool for that hose.

:iagree:

That tool can also be used to remove the trans hoses at the cooler, as well as some fuel filters hose.

You will def need the tool to remove those hose.
I've seen few people got away with locking pliers, but personally I wouldn't risk it as if the plastic lock breaks, it becomes nightmare.

If you are local to me I can lend you mine. I'm in Burnaby BC.

If you are local to me I can lend you mine. I'm in Crook County Chicago.

I might check to see if any of my automtive supply stores have this tool. I`m in ontario canada

well broke down and spent 30.00 can on amazon for the proper tool. plus it might be hard area to get at. might save me a few curse words lol.

thanks for the offers of loaning your tools out guys. but I might as well just buy one then I have it for another time.

If you change your fluid / hoses (I did this 2+ years ago), I would recommend that you use a better quality fluid (Redline). Furthermore, I'd suggest you change the reservoir bottle with the incorporated filter (separate filters went away with the E30 or E36). My car has 266.000 km and no need to change steering rack or pump - Redline keeps it happy.

whats the next best thing to redline?, as I can`t find any around here in my northern on canada area.I got some castrol atf equivalent to dex 3. that should be good?

A 2003 should take ATF for your P/S (it's in your manual and also written on the fill cap). I'd suggest you check the Redline site or drop them a an email for ON distributors or anyone who will mail order in Canada. You could also look at Royal Purple as another premium oil. Any good ATF is fine, remember most people NEVER service this (not a good idea) so you're doing more than most. Again - you REALLY should change the ZF integral reservoir with filter at the same time.

Hi, your signature says that you own an x5 with ucc short shifter, i just odrered one, is it really an improvement in shiftisg?

Yes, spend the money - definitely worth it. You'll see my previous posts as I worked with Rob @ UUC to have this put back in production. Two years of waiting resulted in happy times. I've had mine for a year or more, no regrets. With the exception of one car (no short shifter exists), all of my BMW"s since 1994 have had short shifters and it's UUC or nothing.

There is a good quote from Rob Siegel in a recent article of the BMW CCA magazine about input controls that frequently drive you nuts (when they aren't right) vs. those who give you the most enjoyment (when they are right or even better than right). A short shifter most definitely falls into this category. Remember to go a transmission fluid service (Redline MTL) and add a magnetic drain plug (dimple), lifetime fluids are NOT lifetime at all.

Guys, first of all, sorry for hi-jacking the tread..
I ordered OEM Bmw gearbox oil but could not find magnetic drain plug, can you post the link to one please? Thank you.

I use gold plug magnetic drain plugs when I can find one that fits. There are a few others. You can look up the application on their website and order from them or a place like Amazon.

Gold Plug LLC

for the ZF reservoir your talking about the power steering reservoir where you add your power steering fluid too. if so I am changing that at the same time.