Power Steering Fluid

[RedDog]

The other day I finally had the chance to perform some maintenance on my new ti. One of the jobs that I did was replace the fluid for the power steering. Of course BMW does not offer a drain plug for this job, however after 97K miles I feel it is worth doing. I ended up being right since the ATF fluid was now black vs. its usual nice red color.

The best way that I know to do this job is to take a turkey baster and suck out the old fluid from the reservoir which is located in between the engine and cooling fan. Once you have sucked all the fluid out, refill the reservoir with about 12oz of new fluid (It helps to have a good funnel for this part. After filling the reservoir, place the cap on and hop in the car and slowly turn the steering wheel back and forth till you go through two complete locking points. Than start the process over again. I ran through the process about 5 or 6 times and my fluid looks so much better.

[adamud]

That works.
Or if you don't mind getting dirty. Take the turkey baster and use it to push fluid through the hose that runs to the power steering rack (the metal S pipe). It will eventually come out the hose that comes from the pump itself.
This way saves you ATF fluid and you know that everything is completely clean.

[RedDog]

Great idea, I will have to try that next time.

[hotmilk400]

ehh, that reminds me, i needa replace the hoses going to the reservoir. so thanks for the idea with the baster, it saves me from getting hit in the face with ATF .. haha

[jayz]

Do any of you have experience with bodywork I really can use some advice on a bent frame.