Changed Power steering fluid
 

So after reading here a bit, today I decided to change my power steering fluid using the "turkey baster" method. I puchrased Castrol Import multi vehicle ATF since it met the Dexron III-H (improved version of Dexron III released in 2003) and also met the BMW LT71141 which made me feel better then regular Dexron III designed for older fords/GM's.

I wasn't expeting much of a difference except to maybe quiet down the power steering pump which I can hear whine a bit when turning the wheel standing still. Well it made it much quieter and my steering just a little lighter which was what I was hoping for! I am very happy with the results of this 6 dollar maintenance (all parts) and highly reccommend it to everyone. My X5 has 40K miles and the fuild I pulled out was a dark dark red basically brown. The new is cherry red.

I plan to put a few miles on the truck and possible cycle through one more quart of fuild to filter out as much of the old as I can.

Thanks!

Is this what you used?

Walmart.ca: Castrol, Castrol Dextron VI – 946ml, A premium synthetic transmission fluid for use in all GM vehicles. Certified and approved for by General Motors for all cars and trucks that call for DEXTRON –IV Also satisfies requirements

Thanks

No, I used this:
Castrol USA - Import Multi–Vehicle

No issues since and much much quieter now.

I've only been able to find the stuff at Autozone. Valvoline MaxLife is also LT compatible, and it's a full synthetic vs the Castol being a good ol' dyno oil.

While it's more work, removing the lines from the PS pump is the best way to do it...but 10x the mess. I've let it drain completely, then rocked the wheels back and forth to push out anything that I can pump from the lines. The whole system only takes like a quart of two once you refill it, turning the wheel lock to lock to bleed the system and all is good.

Walmart.ca: Castrol, Castrol Import MV ATF – 946ml, A specially designed multi-vehicle automatic transmission formula created to meet the demanding requirements of the Japanese automobile manufacturers. Offers enhanced friction durability as we

So I guess this is the one? Safe to use?

Thanks for the info, MosH. I think I will do this myself soon. :thumbup:

Bump, sorry to but anyone else use the following ImportMV, as the OP and the link above.

Cheers

I've had better luck with M1 ATF - Dex III

Mobil Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Mobil 1 Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Chef, was it any of these?

Also, where would I find which one is spec'ed on the manual?
BMW — LA2634, LT71141

Did you guys drain the resevoir right above the steering rack, or the small resevoir in the fron of the car, that says 'ATF Oil' on it?

I am asking because the dealership said my power steering lines from resevoir to pump was leaking. However...only the hoses connected to the resevoir at the front of the car looks like its leaking. Are those the power steering lines too?