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While doing some last minute maintenance on my 1995 BMW 5-Series "Grau," I noticed a wet spot under my power steering fluid reservoir, I had a power steering fluid leak. It was an easy fix, but it occurred to me that this repair was put off for other maintenance issues. Most BMW models if not most cars have their own quarks. However power steering fluid leaks stand out as a issue that most BMW 3 series and 5 series owners experience at some point in time.

It doesn't matter whether you have a steering box or a rack & pinion system, eventually the system will develop a leak. We tend to overlook the repair because it's usually an easy fix. As a result most of us just monitor the leak and refill the reservoir when it gets low, turning our attention to other matters. This isn't the correct way to handle it. Unfortunately as the weather changes it can become an issue. Two common areas where the leak usually occurs are at the power steering fluid reservoir and the hoses.

 

The Reservoir 

DSCF1005Depending on the age of your vehicle the power steering reservoir will develop a leak. It can be from cracks, fatigue, abuse or the hose connections loosening over time.

Before pulling off the hoses and wasting the fluid everywhere, empty and inspect the reservoir. Any defect will be close to the bottom of the reservoir so you'll need to remove it from its holding bracket to get a better look. If the reservoir does have a crack in it the simple thing to do is to replace the reservoir. If no evidence of failure is present then check the hose clamps. These are usually the culprit of excessive tank leak.

Using a flat or phillips head screwdriver, snug down the hose clamps. If the clamps have failed, remove & replace with new ones. Have a rag or towel and some brake clean handy to clean up any spills or residue left from wasted brake fluid.

 

The Power Steering Hoses

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The power steering high pressure hoses can be a little more involved than a simple clamp. They tend to develop cracks, loose or worn fittings, failed banjo connections and in extreme cases the hoses rupture.

You'll have to track source down before determining if replacement is necessary. Depending on the year and model of your vehicle you may have several high pressure hoses. Some tend to leak at the cooling lines others at the high pressure fitting. The open ends of the hoses are easily repairable by retrofitting screw clamps. However hoses which begin leak at the fittings will require replacement. These should be replaced with recommended high pressure hoses.

The banjo bolts are also prone to leak. This usually happens over time or from not being secured properly. In cases like this it may not be necessary to replace the bolt, but replacing the gaskets may be required.

 

The Power Steering Unit

If the source of your leak is the power steering pump, they can be rebuilt. There are rebuild kits available that replace various components in the power steering units. However if you are the novice DIYer and don't feel adventurous enough to tackle a rebuild, replacement units are also available.

Power steering leaks are some of the more common issues that occurs, though most culprits can be easily remedied. This system is often overlooked until a total failure occurs. With winter on our doorstep, procrastination can result in longer pump warm up time, and stiff, heavy steering. Performing the proper maintenance can avoid these issues and return your vehicle to a normal steering vehicle once again.

 

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Written by :
William Yelder

William is an enthusiast, entrepreneur, BMWCCA member, and admitted adrenaline junky from Freehold, NJ. Preferring the classic lines over modern convenience, he’s continuously improving the performance of his ’95 BMW 5-Series, One bolt at a time.


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