Power steering fluid leak - what to know before changing hoses?

[TriumphZ3]

Hi y'all - been under my 1998 Z3 1.9 changing oil and generally servicing things and noticed fluid on the hose from the power steering reservoir, and also on the intake for what I presume is the pump. I've read in other posts about changing the hoses and using jubilee clips but I can't work out how to refill the system. The reservoir is up under various other parts of the engine, I can't even see the top from up above so how on earth do I top it up again and know how much is in it? I like to know these things before I start, rather than finding out the hard way, so all tips and advice very welcome.

 

[t-tony]

The resevoir cap has a short dipstick attached IIRC. You can run a small tube down to the resevoir and top it up very slowly?

Tony.

 

[TriumphZ3]

Found it this morning... still getting used to the size of the Z3 after years of being used to smaller Triumphs. I couldn't see the top of the reservoir as I was looking about two feet too far away on the right. Identified it this morning which makes the job a whole lot easier. Now I just need to identify a good hose and the proper fluid for the power steering.

 

[Jimbob_OD]

@TriumphZ3 The steering uses automatic transmission fluid.

 

[colb]

Those hoses rot out at their ends and end up leaking, had it with mine. The one hose is shaped to pass under the pump, that was the one I had leaking. I bought a replacement from BMW to ensure a good fit. Jubilee clips secured it ok rather than those crimp clips.

 

[Fender2004]

If your wanting new pipes try this place

Home | ZEDonist

BMW Z3 parts supplier committed to high quality products and service aimed at the ZED community.

www.zedonist.com

 

[TriumphZ3]

If your wanting new pipes try this place

Home | ZEDonist

BMW Z3 parts supplier committed to high quality products and service aimed at the ZED community.

www.zedonist.com

Thanks Fender, I checked their site but they don't seem to have the hose I need - reservoir to pump? First part / No 1 in this screenshot.

 

[bertiejaffa]

I need to change most of mine - they are fine normally (when the engine is running) but I did turn the wheels with the battery off last year and fluid went everywhere. Seems when they are under their own pressure without the power steering the fluid is able to escape via the aging pipes/connections.

Now its a case of finding them - Zedonist only does 1 of the 5 I need