E 46 330i power steering pipe

[Kurt Adv]

Guys, those with higher mileage on their E46s, I assume all the 6 cylinders to be the same, keep an eye on that power steering pipe, the thinner of the two that goes from under the reservoir to the radiator, it does crack, ask me, mine did, oil everywhere, very noisy pump, almost no power steering, far from home, I taped it up with insulation tape, filled the system, drove home...new pipe is about R1K, very easy to fit I understand, will be doing it tomorrow...problem is the reservoir is fixed to the motor, which moves around under torque, it is attached to a radiator that does not move, so in time it will crack......

 

[Nikhil]

Had the same pipe fail on the E46 330d. Paid like R1500 for the pipe if i recall.

 

[Kurt Adv]

Luckily I get dealer prices then....

 

[Dewald Basson]

The pulley shaft on my pump snapped :YesNo:

 

[Kurt Adv]

Changed the pipe today, removed complete airbox, removed headlight, I used a 17mm and a 21mm open end spanners, zip tied them together, made removing the pipe where it goes into the cooler easier, it has a kinda quick-coupler, using the spanners to compress the plastic 'uncoupler' made it a whole lot easier....re-installed everything, new ATF, a quick bleed, back in business...

 

[Kurt Adv]

So then today my frigging charge light comes on.....remove and strip alternator, blown regulator......1200 ronts later I have a new regulator, alternator charging again......It might have been damaged from ATF going through the alternator when the pipe leaked....