Power Steering requires too much human power
 

Okay...so I've searched quite a bit on here and other forums but haven't found any definitive answers on how to identify common power steering problems before shotgunning over $1,000 worth of parts. The pump alone is $350+ for a rebuilt. Some of the hoses are $250+ EACH! I've flushed the fluid a few times but haven't replaced the canister with the filter in it yet or any of the lines. The fluid isn't leaking out because the canister is always full.

I saw on a certain parts site that there is a hose going to a "Power steering cooling coil". Is that the silver box on the lower front passenger side of the radiator that looks like a miniature window a/c unit with two hard lines attached? I can't seem to find any good power steering system diagrams anywhere.

It could be something other than power steering stemming from off road incident. Have you checked to see if the there is any damage to power steering components or the front suspension?

I assume the fluid is full, no one has added fluid that is not compatible and there are no screeching noises when you turn the wheel lock to lock. If that is the case I would remove the PS cap with the engine running and see if the fluid is circulating.

This following link may be helpful: RealOEM.com * Diagram Selection

Still as a lake in the morning...
 

I just checked the fluid with the engine running and it's not circulating at all. Will it do that if it's just sitting, or do I need to have someone turn the steering wheel while I watch the fluid?

Yes, it should circulate at idle without turning the wheel. To be sure use a turkey baster to take the fluid down some. It is easier to see circulation if the fluid is lower.

What's the best fluid to use? I see a lot of posts saying they just use Dexron III but I would like to know there is a BMW-specific fluid that I should be using. For all I know, the previous owner could have put domestic tranny fluid in it.

I used mobil 1 synthetic ATF

It depends what is installed, and that is indicated on the cap of the reservoir.

Some vehicles had Pentosin installed. Most had ATF installed. If it says ATF, Dexron is fine. It is just a hydraulic fluid, the things that make different ATFs different don't matter to a power steering system.

KCMoore2013 - I own an '02 X5 3.0. I have 194,000 miles on it. I recall when I replaced the rotors they were a 3lb hand held sledge to get free. I have not had the challenges you've spec'd here. But then again, I have maintained the car regularly since mile #6 when I bought it. That was 193,994 miles ago. I believe the X is the best built and finest car I have ever owned. You bought yours used with an unknown service history.

Last week on a business trip 250 miles from home the oil separator failed which lead to engine hydro-lock. Towed and repaired for $2300. My fault. The fact is it was 2 degrees the morning I drove to HQ. I drove for about maybe 3 miles, not long enough to get the engine hot which lead directly to the failure. My past weekend consisted of driving a one-way rental 250 miles to retrieve my X and drive 250 miles back home same day in the snow! Frustrating as it was, and it was a PITA, I will STILL keep this vehicle AND maintain it at regular intervals as I have for 12 years. Long live my X5!!!

I just added about 8 oz of MOBIL 1 ATF. I had open quarts of that and Castrol Dexron III, 50/50 choice....

My repair file is about 4" thick. I've had my '02 since 12/01. I won't list everything thing here since I don't want to break the forum's back! LOL!! 194,000 miles and running strong!