Power Steering Hoses

[Vanguard]

I'm getting some leaking from my power steering hoses. Seems to be from just under the reservoir. I'd like to order replacement hoses this morning, but I don't know if my new to me '94 530i has the rear leveling suspension or not. Is there an easy way to tell without getting under the car? If not, I can always wait to order the parts and check tonight.

[pingu]

Common problem - the low pressure return often leaks where it attaches to the reservoir. You probably just need to replace the hose clamp.

[Fetch]

Common problem - the low pressure return often leaks where it attaches to the reservoir. You probably just need to replace the hose clamp.

I was just going to say this, double check this before getting new hoses I think

[Vanguard]

I've checked that. The hose itself is actually crumbling a little above the hose clamp.

[BimmerMeUp]

Is there an easy way to tell without getting under the car? If not, I can always wait to order the parts and check tonight.

Look at the cap for your P/S Reservoir. If it says to fill with ATF, you do not have the Self Level. If it says to fill with CHF11s, you have the Self Level (Unless someone has converted the car.)

[Fetch]

Look at the cap for your P/S Reservoir. If it says to fill with ATF, you do not have the Self Level. If it says to fill with CHF11s, you have the Self Level (Unless someone has converted the car.)

Huh? Mine says CHF11s on it though.....What do you mean converted?

[zman-95-540i]

I don't think that's true. Mine calls for Pentosin 11s and does not have self-leveling system.

[pingu]

Mine too says CHF11S - and it too hasn't got self-levelling, and it hasn't been converted...

[Vanguard]

Mine says CHF11S. Looks like more research is required. I'm glad I checked back before ordering the parts.

[zman-95-540i]

BTW - some of these hoses are a major PIA to swap. Be sure to research before you tackle the project.

[Vanguard]

I'll be checking my Bentley first. :)

[yaofeng]

The V8 uses Pentosin. The L6 uses ATF. At least my two 5 series are like that.

Without removing the engine, the only power steering hose you can remove is the supply line from the reservoir to the PS pump (I think). And even that is a mojor PITA. The top portion of that line is a rubber hose. It turns into a metal tubing about 1/2 of the way down.

If the deterioration is limited to the top portion of the rubber hose, cut it and reconnect to the PS reservoir.

[zman-95-540i]

Also check your engine mounts. If the fluid drips on the engine mounts they will fail.

[yaofeng]

I'll be checking my Bentley first. :)

Bentley is silent on many things V8. The ETK is more helpful than Bentley on the V8 power steering.

[Jon K]

just look at the rear shocks lol. it ain't hard to see hydraulic lines.

[Spasso]

My 530i and my Dad's 530iT both require CHF11s and neither have self leveling. Both cars even have the large reservoir that is supposed to be an indicator of the system but neither car has the rest of the plumbing.

[Vanguard]

just look at the rear shocks lol. it ain't hard to see hydraulic lines.

I just went out and look as best I could at the car in the parking lot. If the lines enter at the bottom then I don't have the self leveling suspension. I can't see the top well enough to tell the way the car is currently sitting.

[Vanguard]

Pages 330-10/11 of my Bentley manual shows self-levelling equipped vehicles as having a metal reservoir with no dipstick and a separate nut for the power steering fluid. Non-self-levelling vehicles have the plastic reservoir with a integral dipstick in the cap.

So it looks like my 530i is non-levelling car. Whew.

[brosher]

Common problem - the low pressure return often leaks where it attaches to the reservoir. You probably just need to replace the hose clamp.

So there is no special hose needed for this part? I am getting leaks from the same spot.

[pingu]

I think the Bently might be wrong as my 540 (British) has got the metal reservoir with no dipstick and yet I too haven't got self-levelling. I do have traction control - this could be why I've got the metal reservoir. Or maybe self-levelling in conjunction with a metal reservoir is something to do with US cars?

[brosher]

These are the reservoirs shown on realoem under my 9/95 US 540:

#1 is base, #2 is self leveling
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/n/s/4.png

And this is the one I have It is for cars w/ ASC:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/n/s/8.png

[yaofeng]

Mine is #1. But it also has ASC.

[BimmerMeUp]

Sorry about the mixup on the ATF/Pentosin thing.

[Fetch]

I also have #1 (CHF11S) with ASC, just for informational purposes.

94 530i

[Spasso]

Mine is #2, it has ASC+T but non-self leveling and requires CHF11s. The Bentley manual is not entirely accurate.

Build date 5/93, USA version 530i.
My Dad's is identical, build date 4/93, USA version 530iT

No dipstick, large reservoir, screen strainer etc.......................

I think it may have something to do with the ASC. The plumbing from the ASC unit is directly linked to the reservoir.

[Vanguard]

Well, so far no one has the #1 reservoir with self-levelling. I don't know if I have ASC or not. Is the little switch next to the Automatic shift lever with the snowflake an indicator?

[Chris'91'525i]

BMW sure went crazy with all the types of hydraulic fluids they use.

My car is from the German market (imported by the PO) and uses Pentosin 7.1 fluid for the power steering.
Sure pays to check what fluid you need before working on it...

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

ASC, no LAD and uses reservoir #1 w/ATF.

I don't think ASC uses the power steering for control, I think it works via the brake and throttle control.

[shogun]

Pentosin 7.1 was used on early production years, later it was replaced by CHF 11S. But it is not mixable.
I have # 2 and I have LAD

[Jon K]

I have #1 no asc no leveling