Steering problem
1992 BMW 325 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 220000 miles
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I have a power steering leak just cant tell where its coming from.The steering is fine whines when it gets low on fluid.What are some usual suspects that leak in the system?Do the hoses deteriate enough to leak through the rubber? 1st step?

Hi there,

There are only three places to check, the pump, the hoses and the steering box, give it a good wash down and check for fresh oil leaking, if the system is noisy you are very low on oil and run the Chance of damaging the pump.

Mark (mhpautos)

Mark is correct and the hoses are usually suspect, they will seep right through the walls of the hoses. I usually do not bother with trying to find the leak, I just replace all the low pressure supply and return hoses and by the way, you can use bulk 12mm and 16mm hose with radiator clamps if the budget is a little thin, just cut the crimp clamps and replace the crush washers at the banjo fittings.

Dr. Hagerty wrote:

Mark is correct and the hoses are usually suspect, they will seep right through the walls of the hoses. I usually do not bother with trying to find the leak, I just replace all the low pressure supply and return hoses and by the way, you can use bulk 12mm and 16mm hose with radiator clamps if the budget is a little thin, just cut the crimp clamps and replace the crush washers at the banjo fittings.

LOVE THE FORUM! What do you mean "cut the crimp clamps and replace the crush washers at the banjo fittings"?? I think I understand about cutting off the old hose clamps, what is a banjo fitting and crush washer?

I'm a newb, sorry.

That's what the hollow bolts and fittings are referred to as, and there are crush washers at all of these fitting that will require replacement.