BMW E46 Power Steering Fluid, Noise and Pump
What fluid goes into the E46 power steering?
Look at the sticker on the reservoir cap. A green sticker means Pentosin fluid and the marking ATF means ATF oil. Depending on the car, the power steering takes either ATF or CHF, and they must not be mixed with each other.
Why does fluid leak from the E46 power steering reservoir cap?
The cause is usually the seal of the cap, or O-ring, which is flattened, hardened or missing. A new O-ring or cap fixes the leak. Air in the system can cause similar symptoms.
Why does the E46 power steering whine or stop working?
Check the fluid amount first. If there is enough fluid and no leak, the cause is probably the pump: its shaft can break, so there is no pressure and the steering wheel is heavy. The LuK-20 pump often fails. It is worth putting in new fluid when the pump is replaced.
How do you replace the E46 power steering pump?
1. Remove the underbody cover. 2. Disconnect the two hoses. 3. Undo the pump's four bolts, and the pump drops down. The pump is thus replaced from below. The hoses and the reservoir are worth renewing at the same time.