power steering failed then recovered wtf

[ruaangrobler]

Hey guys.

Sorry for rushed post but very pressed for time as I am driving a groom to his wedding and posting from phone quick. Tried to find similar issues by searching but couldn't find miraculously self healing power steering.

Upon picking him up-negotiating his wretched driveway, i scraped the bottom of the car, roughly the middle between the front wheels. About 5 or 10 minutes later my steering went super heavy. Stopped, checked. No liquids dripping underneath, but bonnet catch didn't release on first attempt. Stepped back and tried again, and opened first time. Couldn't see anything but I'm quite an idiot mechanically. Got back in, and 5 or 10 minutes later, power steering came back as normal.

Only faux logic i can present as maybe a vacuum hose got squeezed and then released. Is this possible?

Will take the car to my macchi, but thought to hear what you guys think too.

As always, thanks.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Check the power steering fluid level. So you don't see any obvious damage under the car? At least these E46's have a proper metal under-tray, so it would show signs of a hard hit to the ground. Could also just be bad timing - maybe power steering pump has decided to cough it's last breaths, but usually they stop working altogether, so still quite strange.

 

[Charlie Brown]

My guess - PS fluid is low, when existing ropey driveway the angle you were at resulted in a little air in the system - hence the heavy sensation. Once level again and circulated fully, air bled out and all sorted now. Just check PS fluid is not too low.

 

[ruaangrobler]

Thanks guys.

I will check that first thing tomorrow morning as i am now suited up and clean for the wedding.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Mike1]

Go check your battery terminals are connected tightly. :idea:

 

[kugs330]

Your fluid is running low mine did the same thing a few months ago when i was going out my driveway which is also a bit steep i topped up fluid and no probs after that. You wouldnt have pinched any pipes under the car as theres steel plates protecting the piping and none of the power steering pipes run in the centre of the car :thumbs: post pics of the wedding car

 

[ruaangrobler]

Ave lads, and thanks alround.

So I'm up with my slight wedding hangover and having forsaking my morning coffee for the checkup on my car found that, indeed, my power steering fluid is about 1 millimeter below the lower of the two notches, so quite low.

I never knew power steering fluid needed topping up, but this is my first car with power steering, so no mocking please.

Funny thing is, most friends and relatives whom have driven my car always say te steering is 'so' heavy (which I LOVE) - they should've felt it when this happened. Grief. I felt like I was going to have Popeye arms if it kept up, which would've been kinda cool.

I shall top up post-haste. Is there any specific brand/type here in SA. Should I go to the dealers or is there an Autozone alternative. I'm not looking for the CHEAPEST option, but rather the BEST (unless it's like 10K a bottle ). What google has shown me leeds to Dexron III synthetic, and I also see high recommendations for Redline. Should I speak to my mechanic to find out what he has in the car already, and should I maybe consider a full flush while I'm at it. I've got 155 000kms on, and I will book in with him for my next oil change soon, about 1500kms.

And Mike, thanks. I checked the terminals, they look solid.

I love you guys.

PS. Kugs, I was only transport for the groom, the other best man, myself and the photographer. The wedding car was the bride's dad's new Volvo - i think the S60. Handsome car, but it doesn't really give me the fizz.

 

[frikkieh]

I just read in the manual that power steering fluid should not require a top up, unless there is a leak.
Mine required topup since I know when, and there is a PS fluid leak that can be observed when removing the plastic covers under the car.

Yes - top up the PS fuid.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Waste of time and money taking your car to the agents. There was a thread about flushing and replacing the brake fluid which would make sense to do and is actually really easy, and not expensive if you DIY. See below:

Changing Power Steering Fluid on E46 330i

Hey,

So I am planning to change out the power steering fluid in my E46 330i, and I have a few questions.

1. I know I need ATF Dexron III fluid, will any brand work? Midas have Castrol, I've also got pricing for Ravanol.
2. The Americans say you should replace the power steering resovoir as well because it has the filter built in. Is this necessary? The yanks have a habit of taking maintenance to another level..

The process seems very simple - suck the fluid out of the reservoir, replace fluid, let it circulate, repeat.

Thanks
A

Hi Adrian,

Very simple:

All you need is one of those turkey basters or something that can suck out the old fluid, then use an old coke bottle or whatever you want to use to capture the old stuff - nice and satisfying to see the old dark coloured fluid that comes out! Suck out as much as you can then fill to the max point on the dip stick on the cap (top of the second notch) - start the engine and turn the wheel full lock from side to side a few times, three or four I think. Then repeat the process until you have used up the amount of fluid that you have.

Castrol is what I wanted to use, but Midas only had their own brand which was as per the spec, and decided to give it a try - worst case I could just change the fluid again if necessary. But then again, I was bargaining for a shot tired power steering pump, so wasn't too concerned about the brand of fluid, but rather being the correct spec.

And has been fine since then!

A bit of a caution though, the fluid that comes out is of course fairly "warm" - watches the plastic 2l coke bottle slowly collapse on itself as the fluid cools! :rollsmile:

:thumbs:

 

[ruaangrobler]

Hi Philip, thanks for that.

Yes, I'm now indeed on a road more frequently traveled and will figure what ATF to use and top up, or flush. I will also inspect for leaks, thanks, Frikkie.

Upon reading the other things I've found, I'm also wondering whether now might be a good time to change gearbox oil. My baby doesn't like going into fifth much early in the mornings, and I've just read quite a few posts where people changed the gearbox oil to redline or similar and problems have been resolved.

Will ponder that one for a bit though. The good news is my car's paid off this month, so now my head's spinning trying to think of all the good I can do for her with that money. She has been so awesome to me.

Thanks again all, for all the help. To think I was freaking out over something that's so easy to resolve. Sheesh, I still have soooo much to learn.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Hi Philip, thanks for that.

Yes, I'm now indeed on a road more frequently traveled and will figure what ATF to use and top up, or flush. I will also inspect for leaks, thanks, Frikkie.

Upon reading the other things I've found, I'm also wondering whether now might be a good time to change gearbox oil. My baby doesn't like going into fifth much early in the mornings, and I've just read quite a few posts where people changed the gearbox oil to redline or similar and problems have been resolved.

Will ponder that one for a bit though. The good news is my car's paid off this month, so now my head's spinning trying to think of all the good I can do for her with that money. She has been so awesome to me.

Thanks again all, for all the help. To think I was freaking out over something that's so easy to resolve. Sheesh, I still have soooo much to learn.

I doubt that it's a leak or that much of a leak if the fluid has not been checked for some time now. Could very well just be a small amount that sweats out and dries off over time. Literally 1.5 to 2 litres should be enough ATF Dexron III fluid (Midas will have this in Castrol and other brands) flushed through the system will be enough to replace the fluid with fresh - power steering should be fairly light on the E46 (lighter than the E90) and with fresh fluid it should be quieter too in most cases.

I would be very careful about fiddling with the gearbox oil - as long as the fluid level is fine rather leave it alone. A bit of a controversial topic, but I think often the problem is that by changing the gearbox oil you are actually allowing trapped fine metal particles from wear and tear to then get mixed into the "new" oil which is then effectively abrasive causing your previously healthy gearbox to die prematurely. I think if the gearbox was being stripped, cleaned and overhauled then this would be fine of course. Also, our gearboxes are generally pretty notchy in the mornings, especially when it's cold. And even things like the CDV can play a part in all of this.

 

[frikkieh]

The PS system is a high pressure system the can pack out a sweat. :rollsmile:
Maybe it is time to DIY my PS pump and seals and post the pictures somewhere...:fencelook:
Don't fiddle with something if it works.

 

[Philip Foglar]

The PS system is a high pressure system the can pack out a sweat. :rollsmile:
Maybe it is time to DIY my PS pump and seals and post the pictures somewhere...:fencelook:
Don't fiddle with something if it works.

+1! :thumbs:

 

[Mr.k]

Mr Philip Foglar i think u just saved me some money! Iv been meaning to flush my PS fluid for awile on my e36 but thought it was a big job and was gna give my mechanic until i read the link u posted here + Ps was starting to make some noises.
I actually did the flush 2day and the noise stopped. Oh and also got my first taste of ATF :yuck:
So :ty:

 

[Philip Foglar]

Mr Philip Foglar i think u just saved me some money! Iv been meaning to flush my PS fluid for awile on my e36 but thought it was a big job and was gna give my mechanic until i read the link u posted here + Ps was starting to make some noises.
I actually did the flush 2day and the noise stopped. Oh and also got my first taste of ATF :yuck:
So :ty:

Thanks! Have to give credit to the Bimmerfest E46 Wiki page! Tons of helpful info there! :thumbs:

 

[ruaangrobler]

Hi guys,

I just wanted to report back after I sucked all the old ATF out with a syringe and a straw (couldn't find a baster) and replaced it with some fresh Dexron III. It's been a few weeks now and all is well.

Thank you all.

Mr. Fogler, thank you in particular and also thank you for the caution on the Gearbox oil. I will take that to heart and leave it well enough alone.

:ty: