X5 steering moan when cold
 

2003 X5 3.0 150k proud miles...

Following my annual inspection, car started to moan when cold when I turn the wheel left or right, stationary or driving slowly. Fluid (ATF) might be low, I have not checked yet, but I read that the symptom of the noise when cold, is related to air in the system... and the article suggestion to change an o-ring. Does anyone know how this might apply to my X5? I will check to see if there is a leak, but other than the large o-ring in the reservoir cap, are there other O-rings? Maybe a hose connection is loose?

Also - what are people recommending for ATF fluid?

Hopefully the pump is still okay, bc I saw it is expensive, but seems like junkyard has it cheap, if I am changing it myself it might pay to go that route despite not knowing how long it will "last"... I did that with an AC compressor and so far so good (many years later now).

Thank you.

Check the fluid level - they moan when they are low. Air doesn't normally seem to be an issue....

ok, granted I have not checked the fluid in the PS probably ever... but why would the fluid go low unless there is another issue at hand?

Any suggestion on what fluid to buy? I have a local autozone and pep boys. I believe pep boys has Pennzoil Dex 3...

The hoses "sweat" fluid as they age - very common. The level doesn't have to drop much for it to moan (when cold - usually becomes quiet when warmed up).

Fluid? Check your cap - if it says ATF (and the existing fluid is red (or dark) then any decent ATF will work fine. If it says CHF-11 then you need a HF fluid - it's often green.

thanks, so if ATF, then it doesn't matter if Dex 3 or Dex 6, etc?

Thanks. Ill check the fluid tonight.

There is also a vent hole on the cap (and on almost every BMW I've owned or seen) where hot power steering fluid can weep out, hence why there is always fluid residue around the cap. So over time you can lose fluid that way.

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Learned this from Honda Odyssey O-ring on the suction side of the PS Pump.
Air enters system when COLD, causing noise. In the Honda Odyssey, new O-ring fixed the problem.

The M54 engine, look at the hose where it connects to the PS Pump (remove plastic shield under the car to access).

You should have a slow leak at that spot by now. When COLD, air is sucked into the PS Pump at that particular junction. Options:
1. Cut a small section of the hose (about 1/2") then re-connect it using a clamp (factory is Oetiker).
2. Get a new hose from FCPEuro, Rein is fine at $16.
PN is 32411095526.

I posted info in forum.

Thanks cn90.

I will see if my system is low and flush/refill... then I will see if the issue continues or returns and change the hose.

Steering fluid was way low... just a little left at the base of the reservoir. I've never added any fluid here in 16 years, so I wonder if this was just some evap or if there is indeed a leek. I will keep my eye on the level and go from there. Now I just need to man up and change my valve cover gasket.

Check your lines for leaks. After 16 years, they usually will. Also, check the O ring on the cap. I was getting a mist of oil on the top of the reservoir. I checked the O ring and it was hard and flattened. replaced it and no more oil mist.