PS Issue on 2001 4.4l X5
 

Hey everyone, I have searched various threads trying to diagnose my current problem without having to start a new thread but I have failed. SO I am coming to you all!

I am experiencing periodic tough steering. Usually at slower speeds the power steering seems to not work as well, but at higher speeds does not seem to be an issue at all.

In some threads I read that using white lithium grease on the U joint for the steering rack helps as it rusts over time, examining that joint I can see remnants of previous grease but looks rather old.

With the power steering reservoir cap removed, car turned on in park, moving the steering wheel from left to right causes the fluid to swirl around in the reservoir which to me makes me thing the pump is working.

Fluid is definitely extremely dirty and in need of being changed but could dirty fluid cause these symptoms?

And also on that note, when topped off how full should the reservoir be?

Any help is greatly appreciated,
Cheers

Does the power steering make any noise while engaged at low speed or parked?

The stick on the bottom of the cap has a high and low mark. Top up until full.

If the fluid seems old and dirty why not change it? Cost would be less than $10 and take less than an hour. Remember to use ATF and not PS fluid.

I hear a small creak like sound now and then, when the problem first started there was just a small spot when turning that it was get tough for a second and then go back to easy throughout the rest of the turn

Planning on changing the fluid as soon as I can get a new reservoir w/filter delivered, is it really worth it to change just the fluid without changing out the filter?

Have someone check the front thrust arm bushings.....mine were worn and it made the steering very heavy like the power steering was not working.

Generally the power steering on these cars are very reliable.

Agreed... they leak all the time... but generally very reliable.

If you can get the front end up on jack stands have someone turn the wheel and look at the different suspension components to see if there is any play or binding.

A creaking sound could be PS pump... but that is usually more of a whine. Without hearing the sound, it's worth it to check out the suspension too.

Sounds like you have the frozen up joints in the steering column. It is a very common failure in x5 and land rovers. External lubrication does very little. I tried all the suggestions - sprayed different stuff, hit it with hammer to loosen it up, etc. nothing worked except replacing the part. It is fairly pricey.

There are some pictures here - http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...nt-photos.html

Learn something new here all the time...

BTW... I want that aero package. What is that?