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Power steering pump make noise when turning

50K views 23 replies 11 participants last post by  M3&CLK55 
#1 ·
My power steering pump is making sound when I turn! I have read that is a comon problem for E46, liquid level is okay and it a standard trans, the pump is making the same sound that when you turn very too much!

What do you think?
 
#2 ·
Did you check the belt to make sure its not slippping? If that is ok, then check for weeping at one of pressure hoses as you could have a low pressure condition that just started which hasn't resulted in a major loss of fluid (yet).

Also, it would help if we knew the mileage of the car
 
#5 ·
I will check the belt! thanks
will check also for weeping,

When I bye it, I inspected the car bye a BMW dealer, They said that the powersteering tank seal as to be changed!
 
#3 ·
Had this problem on my VW for 60 000km before the steering pump finally went. Its not really something that will leave you stranded by the roadside, but as long as the pump and pipes still keep the oil inside (i.e no leaks), you should be fine. Just keep an eye on it.

BUT: Then when I changed the pump, the guys twisted one of the hoses to make it fit, and now the oil struggle a bit to get through that part of the pipe and THAT makes a noise AND may cause the pump to fail prematurely. I will have it checked out soon.

LASTLY: It is normal for any power steering pump to make a noise when it's turned to the lock. This is just the bypass valve releasing some pressure in the pump. Though it cannot harm the pump, it's not advisable to do it for extended periods of time.
 
#14 ·
If you are going to change the pump, you might as well practice on your existing one by taking it off and cleaning it. If the problem gets fixed that way, you save yourself some money. If the problem isn't fixed, at least now you know how to put on a new pump. If there is a blockage outside of the pump, changing the pump will do you no good.
 
#19 ·
Ahhh.....I see. :pimpin:
According to RealOem there is a pressure hose assembly for this pump as well as a return pipe.
I assume these 2 are the only places where a 'blockage' might occur?
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BM33&mospid=47709&btnr=32_0958&hg=32&fg=20

In summary, I would guess that if my mechanic does a pressure test on the pump he should
be able to tell if I need a new pump or just a new hose, right?

Thanks much for your insight. :)
 
#20 ·
Well, the fluid circuit comprises more than just the hoses. What you really need is the equivalent of the bathroom plunger. Then you could give the plumbing a good old going over. Rigorous use of the steering wheel could also possibly dislodge anything - oil sludge, gunk, whatever - causing the blockage.

Not long ago, someone posted a PS problem, and after a few days the problem was fixed by itself.
 
#21 ·
Well, I'm not sure I understand why flushing the fluid wouldn't take care of any blockage, but I am going to have to take some kind of action soon as I don't want to risk damaging the steering rack. The guy who looked at it today said it would be O.K. to drive around even if the noise persisted (as there were no leaks) but I have my doubts about that. :rolleyes:

Thanks again. :)
 
#24 ·
noise

i had changed my steering pump at 50k, and the power steering high pressure hose 500 miles ago. currently my car is at 87k. ever since i have changed high pressure hose, every time i turn my steering wheel, it makes " ta-ta-ta" sound and it only happens when the car is stationary. the sound seems to comes from passenger side right behind the glove box inside of engine bay.

can someone help me to identify the problem? is it because the shop did not bleed out the air when replacing the P/S high pressure hose?

thank you very much.

Nick
 
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