BMW 330i-Power Steering Pump-Defective Bearing - United Bimmer Community

**soidog** · 05-08-2007, 12:07 PM

My 330i is only 2 1/2 years old with 37,000 km (23,000 miles) on it. The car was a demo model purchased from a BMW dealer so the warranty period was rreduced to 2 years and since expired.

Last week I noticed vibration in the steering wheel when turning at low speed. Yesterday the vibration (grinding) included noise from engine compartment. I found the source of the noise coming from the power steering pump. The pulley wheel wiggles when I apply pressure with a screw driver so it appears to be the bearing however:

At idle (7-800 RPM) - Turning steering wheel produces vibration (grinding) and noise

Throttling at 3,500 RPM - Turning steering wheel is normal, smooth with no noise.

Even though the car is out of warranty I expect the BMW dealer to fix this problem at no cost. I have never had a power steering pump fail before and don't know anyone who has. A water pump or compressor maybe. Not the power steering pump.

I'd like to hear comments from other BMW owners so that I know where I stand when I confront the dealer.

**stevo** · 05-08-2007, 06:13 PM

approach the main dealer and ask them politely if they are willing to repair the car at no cost to you, if they refuse tell them you are contacting BMW head office direct to complain bitterly about the customer service you have recieved at the hands of this particular dealership, not forgetting to state the nature of the problem with your car and the fact that the car is only 2.5 years old with only 23,000 miles on it. then see how fast things happen.

**Numark318i** · 05-08-2007, 06:23 PM

i believe after a certain RPM the PS is no longer effective. It doesnt do anything. might have a centrifugal clutch which disengages above a certain engine speed?

i say take it back and bitch. If not..it shouldnt be too difficult. But idk if the bearing has to be chagned by swappign the enitre pump.

**JTL330** · 05-14-2007, 01:45 PM

I had the same issue with my 330ci. The pump went at 46000. I continued to drive the car even though I had to muscle it through parking lots. I eventually had it replaced under CPO, I agree with other posters. Complain (politely) I have had issues addressed under good faith warranties as long as I could show a history of service with the dealer.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 05-15-2007, 03:51 PM

I was going to say that too....good faith warranties.

You bought the car at their dealership, serviced at their dealership, they should good will this exchange this one time at no cost to you.

Approach/talk to the manager....and confront him/her politely explaining your situation, and you should get what you want.

I've seen it done several times.

amath80 · 10-28-2010, 10:43 PM

I had a problem with my power steering system. the fluid and lines are fine but the power steering pump are out. would i change my steering pump or not? help guys....

archebald23 · 11-01-2010, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amath80

I had a problem with my power steering system. the fluid and lines are fine but the power steering pump are out. would i change my steering pump or not? help guys....

you probably want to change your power steering pump.When the fluid is low and you add some ... it still needs more after you run it for awhile. The reason for that is that the pump pumps the fluid through the lines and gets out the air in them. Keep filling and checking after you start the car and turn the wheel from side to side all the way.

archebald23 · 11-01-2010, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amath80

I had a problem with my power steering system. the fluid and lines are fine but the power steering pump are out. would i change my steering pump or not? help guys....

When the fluid is low and you add some ... it still needs more after you run it for awhile. The reason for that is that the pump pumps the fluid through the lines and gets out the air in them. Keep filling and checking after you start the car and turn the wheel from side to side all the way.

**krislou80** · 11-01-2010, 07:27 PM

you have to change your power steering. When the fluid is low and you add some ... it still needs more after you run it for awhile. The reason for that is that the pump pumps the fluid through the lines and gets out the air in them. Keep filling and checking after you start the car and turn the wheel from side to side all the way.

**cbharvest** · 11-15-2010, 12:18 PM

So, I have 94,000 miles on my 325i. My mechanic told me my power steering fluid is oozing, but I don't have to worry about it, just keep topping it off. Is that true? Will it eventually cause a catastrophic failure or it it normal? Thanks.

**fahayes** · 11-27-2011, 08:18 PM

our 2003 330i with 114,000miles on it suddenly lost power steering today. Steers very hard. Any ideas?