Power Steering Problem E53 X5
 

Hi guys.

My wife did a 3 point turn yesterday and complained of heavy steering. When she brought it home and I took a look I could smell a burnt oil smell. All Belts look fine, took the power steering cap off and reservoir was full but oil smelt burnt. Any ideas would be appreicated. I read somewhere that there is a lower shaft that has a u binding joint in it that rusts and binds?? If there is no squeal try to flush the fluid and add lubrizol?

Any idea what this means. I would appreciate some suggestions on what the problem may be and links to pics from realoem etc or solutions so I know what they are talking about.

Cheers in advance
lucasier

Does this look like the problem part?

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0d STEER.COL.-LOWER JOINT ASSY

Is this the part referred to ?
 

That looks correct. Lubricate it well with anything besides WD-40.

Please put your car info in your sig. Helps others to identify your car when helping you. Look at Big J sig, or mine for example

Don't put Lubrizol until you check your PS fluid cap. My car, 2006 uses pentosin, and you can't add ATF or lubrizol to that. Also, you never know, lubrizol might have already been added, and supposedly, you can't add more than one dose.

Lube up part 2 from your link. White lithium grease.

What is the mileage of your car anyway?

lucasier - that joint will often also make noise when it's rusting but a little lithium grease wouldn't hurt it either way.

might be time for a power steering check, as slick stated check your cap. It will be marked with Chf 11s or atf, only use whichever fluid it is marked with unless you want to fully flush the system and change over fluids.