missing power steering fluid

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Ragierer
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun May 21, 2017 11:40 pm
Location: Kansas city

missing power steering fluid

Post by Ragierer »

The car is 1988 635, I have had it since 06/17 and I feel good about how things have been going.

The list so far includes:
waterpump
thermostat
radiator
alternator
A/C compressor
programma visit with the SI board
replacing rubber components on transmission lines
new gear for odometer
endless buffing and cleaning

The transmission lines took more than one attempt to get it right and I went through a period of leaking AT fluid. As that was completing I heard a power steering noise and when I check the reservoir, it was very low. I added fluid and things improved. Then I checked and added fluid again yesterday. The car may have traveled 2 miles since I started to work on the AT lines.

At this point I have no leaks from the car. Where do you think the power steering fluid could be going?

Any thoughts or guidance is appreciated.

Robin
Kansas City MO
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86_6series
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1069
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 10:08 pm
Location: West Nyack, NY

Re: missing power steering fluid

Post by 86_6series »

The ATF for tranny and power brakes / steering are two separate systems.

The leak from your description is coming from power steering/brake system.

Look for leaks in the engine compartment. If nothing shows up, look under

the carpeting of the floorboards by the brake pedal.
86-635CSi
96-MB C220 SOLD
98-740i
71-Continental MK3
Ragierer
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun May 21, 2017 11:40 pm
Location: Kansas city

Re: missing power steering fluid

Post by Ragierer »

I went out and gave it the quick and dirty search under the brake pedal for signs of fluid. The carpet is beige and "showed no apparent signs of leakage".

is there a servo someplace which could be filling with fluid?

Robin
Kansas City MO
Ragierer
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun May 21, 2017 11:40 pm
Location: Kansas city

Re: missing power steering fluid

Post by Ragierer »

I spent some time researching and looking around. It seems my power flow regulator and accumulator may be the culprit. I still don't see any direct appearance of leaking A/T fluid. These parts are oily but in that dirty sense, not flowing with fresh fuid.

As these parts are pricey, is there a test process out there that makes sense?

Robin
1988 635
Kansas City Mo
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JCS
Posts: 999
Joined: Wed Sep 22, 2010 11:06 pm
Location: Santa Ana, California, USA

Re: missing power steering fluid

Post by JCS »

Ragierer wrote: Mon Nov 06, 2017 6:59 pm I spent some time researching and looking around. It seems my power flow regulator and accumulator may be the culprit. I still don't see any direct appearance of leaking A/T fluid. These parts are oily but in that dirty sense, not flowing with fresh fuid.

As these parts are pricey, is there a test process out there that makes sense?

Robin
1988 635
Kansas City Mo
Hey Robin,

If your Booster/Servo or PSP are leaking, I sell a repair kit for the booster, and also offer a repair service.
See # 1 on this Big Coupe Link,
http://bigcoupe.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=28245

Best,
Jay
'88 M6, Red/Tan
My NEW Website https://www.jaysbmwparts.com/
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