how to top up power steering fluid?

[puru33]

getting noise during steering. guess running low on fluid.
which brand should I buy from autozone? can i do it myself or need a labour?

1996 318ti manual

thanks

[cooljess76]

These cars don't use power steering fluid. Use ATF (automatic transmission fluid). Start by adding fluid as needed. Replace the cap on the reservior. Then start the car, turn the wheel to full lock for a couple seconds in each direction. Turn the car off and check the level. Repeat process, until fluid level is within specified range.

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Have you actually checked your level? Don't guess.

[pdxmotorhead]

I use full synthetic ATF form Amzoil or Royal Purple, I also dump the thing out at each oil change...

Dave

[spidertri]

In case you didn't know, the reservoir is under the air filter housing.

[1996 328ti]

Could also be a bad pump you know.

[mahay]

Originally Posted by cooljess76

These cars don't use power steering fluid. Use ATF (automatic transmission fluid). Start by adding fluid as needed. Replace the cap on the reservior. Then start the car, turn the wheel to full lock for a couple seconds in each direction. Turn the car off and check the level. Repeat process, until fluid level is within specified range.

I am confused now. The above directions are in the Bentley manual under the heading of bleeding the system, but in another section of the manual it says,

"If the level is below the MIN mark, start the engine and add fluid to the reservoir to bring the level up. Stop the engine and recheck the level. Hand Tighten the reservoir cap."

So, Uh, What should I do?

sorry to kind of bump an old thread, but this seemed the most apt to my question.

[cooljess76]

Originally Posted by mahay

I am confused now. The above directions are in the Bentley manual under the heading of bleeding the system, but in another section of the manual it says,

"If the level is below the MIN mark, start the engine and add fluid to the reservoir to bring the level up. Stop the engine and recheck the level. Hand Tighten the reservoir cap."

So, Uh, What should I do?

sorry to kind of bump an old thread, but this seemed the most apt to my question.

If the manual says fill it with the engine running, then fill it with the engine running. It's been so long since I've done it, but I'm sure it doesn't matter if it's running when you fill it as long as it's running when you turn the wheel. You definitely need to turn the wheel to full lock in each direction to bleed the system. Just don't hold it there for too long, only a couple seconds at a time.

[mahay]

Originally Posted by cooljess76

If the manual says fill it with the engine running, then fill it with the engine running. It's been so long since I've done it, but I'm sure it doesn't matter if it's running when you fill it as long as it's running when you turn the wheel. You definitely need to turn the wheel to full lock in each direction to bleed the system. Just don't hold it there for too long, only a couple seconds at a time.

Okay, cool Thanks!