steering noise when cold - United Bimmer Community

**goforit** · 10-17-2008, 08:02 PM

On cold start ups I get a steering noise the first few times I turn. This sounds the same as when the wheel is turned as far as it can go. IT only happens on cold starts after the car suts for a few hours.

I have a '94 318i

**3050rpm** · 10-18-2008, 09:17 AM

Certainly check the level of the steering fluid. Unfortunately, checking the fluid isn't adequately included in regular BMW maintenance procedures, and there is no convenient way to drain and refill the system (as with the engine oil, for example). Nonetheless, you shouldn't ignore it. Get yourself some fresh fluid and a turkey baster, then reach down and unscrew the top of the reservoir, and suck out as much of the (probably very murky) fluid as you can. Replace with fresh stuff, to the indicated line (you're probably well below that now). Since you've got a 14-year old car, this would also be a time to check on the condition of the power steering lines and replace them if they're worn and weeping fluid. This would also be the occasion to flush the entire system and have entirely new fluid in it.

**goforit** · 10-18-2008, 11:53 AM

Is there a procedure for flushing or should I simply use the turkey baster procedure several times, running my car and steering inbetween?

**theeuroguy** · 10-18-2008, 12:10 PM

I agree that changing the fluid on a regular basis, say every 60K or so, is a good thing, another often overlooked item is the filter in the bottom of the plastic P/S resovoir, I replace these on a regular basis in the shop I work at.
Another P/S problem is the hoses on the bottom of the resovoir leak and all you need to do is replace the clamps with a worm type ones.

**goforit** · 10-18-2008, 12:13 PM

How do you change the filter?

**theeuroguy** · 10-18-2008, 02:06 PM

The resovoir must be changed the filter is in the bottom of it, they are inexpensive.

**3050rpm** · 10-22-2008, 09:50 PM

I'm not sure if the filter is readily replaceable, at least on '95 and older cars, I haven't replaced mine. I think in order to do that I'd have to replace the entire reservoir. In any event, you can get by by repeatedly removing old fluid with a turkey baster, putting in new, driving around a bit, then repeat that procedure half a dozen times or so. Not perfect, not efficient, but it'll help, until that time when you get to replace some hoses and/or flush out the entire system.

**theeuroguy** · 10-23-2008, 07:27 AM

Just another quick entry on the resovoir and filter, yes you do have to replace the entire resovoir, the plastic ones are very inexpensive and with a turkey baster you cannot get under the filter where the sludge builds up, so for a few bucks, it is worth it to do it right!.

**3050rpm** · 10-23-2008, 02:18 PM

Thanks for that clarification.

**theeuroguy** · 10-23-2008, 05:41 PM

I checked with my parts guy today and he told me the resovoirs cost around 20-25 usd each list out at 50-60 per BMW!!.

**Jetty** · 03-08-2009, 06:15 AM

My power steering fluid is leaking slowly. I've looked for the reservoir and cannot locate it. I probably need to replace the hoses or hose clamps and flush the system.

However for now I'd be happy to simply locate the reservoir and be sure the fluid level is adequate so as not to burn up the power steering pump?

This is a '95 325i with a straight six. The owners manual is ambiguous as for the location of the p/s reservoir.

Thank you in advance, Jetty

**3050rpm** · 03-08-2009, 08:51 PM

Rather easy to see, a pain to reach. As you stand facing the engine compartment, it's on the right hand side, down below, look between the manifold and the air intake ducting. You'll see a canister, with a "sunburst" kind of knob on top, which you turn to open. It might help to move some of the air intake to allow your hand better access. I tried uploading some pictures, but for some reason it wouldn't work.

**Jetty** · 03-08-2009, 10:30 PM

Found it. Thanks for the speedy response.

Now I had a buddy who's a master mechanic give a cursory look at the underneath and he's saying it looks more like motor oil that's leaking. I told him I've done two oil changes since buying the car and both times I used synthetic oil. He told me switching from petrol based to synthetic can make the gaskets swell up and this could be causing the motor oil leaks?

**Jetty** · 03-08-2009, 10:33 PM

If so, then which gaskets are likely to be the one leaking? Is it likely that the head gasket is leaking do to switching to synthetic?

**3050rpm** · 03-08-2009, 10:55 PM

I have read that switching from petrol-based to synthetic oil can affect the engine seals (I assume by that they also mean gaskets), particularly in older cars, resulting in leaking. Now whether this would necessarily involve the head gasket I don't really know, although I rather doubt it. I haven't come across anything, nor do I know, if reverting to petrol oil would reverse whatever effect the synthetic oil may have had.

But just to back up a bit, a closer look underneath might give a clearer picture of what's going on with your car, the p/s fluid would leak from the hoses or the connections, and be somewhat reddish (albeit murky) in color. Oil leaking from the engine would generally be seen along the engine block, maybe some hoses, and be browish or black in color.

Wish I could give more definitive answers. My advice is to forget using the synthetic oil, the benefits, if any, are just too marginal for a '94 vehicle, and petrol oils have advanced significantly over the years as well, and at about half the price. I imagine you wouldn't mind pocketing that change.