Anyones power steering pump squalling

Our power steering pump makes all kinds of noise. The more you turn it the more it makes. This is worse in the mornings but you can hear excessive noise all the time. The last time I had it in the dealer said they didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. They must be deaf.

This is on an 06 model. Does anyone else notice what you might deem as excessive noise?

My 06 X3 seems to be making similar sounds when the steering wheel is turned completely. Especially when its lock to lock. Some professional advice would be helpful. Maybe it needs a grease job

Having the same issue. It seems just abnormally loud. Definitely in the mornings and when you touch the wheel at all. I had the dealer check it out at the last service and they said all is well. I don't think so but no one has given me any answers. I don't feel like I'm driving a BMW with my power steering being that loud.
I need some help too!

My BMW advisor told me the same thing. "Your BMW seems to be good condition" I find it hard to believe that others out there have not experienced such an issue with there X3 SAV. Anyway, if anyone knows what could be to done to remedy it, please advice. Honestly, I was hoping for more an active dialog from this forum on such topics...

Originally Posted by Jbanks

Honestly, I was hoping for more an active dialog from this forum on such topics...

My take is that like most things BMW, if you experience the squealing PAS, it is not consistent, and can go away on its own.

Not in all cases evidently, but it's not something that has come up on this forum as a recurring issue.

In this instance, I can see why dealers may have difficulty in diagnosing a problem.

I noticed moderate squeals on full lock occasionally a few years ago, but not recently.

However, I did the turkey baster fluid renewal, just as preventive maintenance - I don't think that it was needed, but figured it would do no harm.

I recall there was a thread about what the one (or two?) marks on the PAS dipstick meant in terms of hot or cold fluid, and if the fluid level is all that critical.
As long as it's not too low of course.
If it's too full, I think the only risk is making a mess from overflow.
(Not a good thing with the alternator located just below!)

Don't know if there is any significance in BMW switching between systems that use ATF and those that use a specific Pentosin 'power steering fluid'.
Was that an LCI change for the X3?

Not on an X3, but my wife's A4 had the same problem. Turned out the power steering fluid was low. Topped it up (with the ubiquitous turkey baster) and it was fine. Had to buy special Audi p/s fluid though.

My '07 E83 steering pump also sings more than I'd like. It reminds me of my old Fords, notorious for it.

I have an 04 and it's squealing all the time... it's not bad turning the wheel but it's harder than it should be. I did a fluid change and it went away for about a month...fluid level seems fine but the squeal is back

Would this be a pump issue or a rack issue if I want to replace something? Given that mine is a 2004 it's not under warranty and highly doubt there's a service bulletin about this issue...

In response to an above post the problem is no intermittent, it is always there. It is worse in the morning and when it is colder out but it is always very very noticable, even in the summer. Way to much noise for a BMW. My CPO is running out in a few months, need to get this addressed.

We need some type of answer. My CPO ran out in August and I had them check but there was "no issue found". We need some help.

Same problem with my 06. Noisy PS pump. Worst when engine is cold. At least I'm not alone.

FWIW....


I performed the "poor mans" PS "flush" on my 328xi using the turkey baster method (around 80k miles) and my pump is still running great with 106k on the odo..

The key is to get a few cans of Pentosin, and do the remove/refill procedure 5-10 times after a short drive between each cycle.

It will cost you maybe $60 for two cans of Pentosin, but if it extends the life of your pump / rack, it's money well spent... and if not, it's not enough $$ to get upset about.

As my X3 approaches 70k on the odo, I'm ready to do the same thing with it...

i noticed in the 04 modle that i picked up last week. It felt like i was driving my ford car, used to do the same when steering wheel turned lock to lock..!!

i think it's a common thing for our x3s, but no problems associated with it other than noise

I have the same issue. I've used a turkey baster to remove old PS fluid and added Pentosin ATF-1 4-5 times already. The noise is still there. I've ordered a new PS reservoir so I can use the new screen filter that is part of the reservoir, just in case the original one is clogged. As soon as I get someone to help me (it takes two to do a complete flush), I will change the reservoir and flush the fluid completely. I will let you know what the outcome is.

Sorry

I got it too,, squealing noise, it ticks my mom off.

I have an 05 x3 that so far we are sorry we bought. But of the many issues the power steering pump is the loudest I have ever experienced. Works great and fluid level is right on. Dealer said they don't notice anything out of the ordinary. I also have put in an air conditioner, crank shaft sensor, window regulator and have an intermittent starting issue...less than 72,000 on it andn I have only put 2500 on it myself. So far the least realiable most expensive used car I have ever purchased. Did I mention the dealer said its quite routine to replace these items at this milage. I can only hope we run out of these issues soon or it will be up for trade shortly. When it works right I love the car but it certainly has been a big disapointment so far.

Hi All,
This morning my power steering pump just went bad. The shop quoted me $500+ parts plus labor, I am gonna be out $700 for sure.

Unlike you guys, I am no where near fixing it myself , therefore, I will have to spend the money. YET, this the second time it happened to me. I had it replaced about 3 years ago in 2009 ( my car is 2003 325i), all original parts. Is it normal that it broke again so soon?

Is it the way I drive or just my luck?
Appreciate any feedbacks.

Kelly

Originally Posted by kelly_cat

Hi All,
This morning my power steering pump just went bad. The shop quoted me $500+ parts plus labor, I am gonna be out $700 for sure.

Unlike you guys, I am no where near fixing it myself , therefore, I will have to spend the money. YET, this the second time it happened to me. I had it replaced about 3 years ago in 2009 ( my car is 2003 325i), all original parts. Is it normal that it broke again so soon?

Is it the way I drive or just my luck?
Appreciate any feedbacks.

Kelly

Over the years I have owned over 20 bmws and never had a pump failure.

The sound you are hearing at full lock as well as in the cold sounds to be the fluid running past the pressure release valve and nothing to worry about as long as you have proper fluid levels.