E46 Power Steering Pump Failure

[Challo]

So yesterday afternoon my power steering failed on my E46 2000 323ci. No warning of potential failure, or noises from the pump previously. Is there an easy way to confirm its the pump?

ATF reservoir is full, and underneath I cannot see any leaks
Belt is still on and seems to be working correctly
No noises from the pump when turning the steering wheel

I know on the early E46 they have the LUK-LF20 pump's which are know to sheer the drive shafts, but without undoing all the belts can i check this?

Anything else it could be?

[buggalugs]

Pump went on my 2000 328, as you say the shaft sheared. Faced with the same dilemma I took a flyer and replaced the pump, and job was a goodun. If the pump's working you can usually see some swirling around if you look in the bottle with a torch.

My fluid had a bit of greyness to it after and needed flushing through a couple of times to get rid.

[iSore]

It will be the pump. You can fit an LF30, a straight swap if you use one of the two hydro pipes. Used LF20's are cheap enough now.

[Challo]

Thanks. Seen a few LF20 pumps on ebay for £55 so will order one of those up and get it installed.

[spants]

Mine went on a 330ci clubsport 2003... Ordered a replacement from http://acspowersteering.co.uk.

BMW want to replace with the later version which then needs extra pipes/bracket(?) and doesn't feel the same apparently..

[C70R]

Replaced the pump on my 100k miles E46 last year after it started whining like hell. Used one of the £60 eBay jobs (assume a recon) and it is still going strong.

[Challo]

C70R said:

Replaced the pump on my 100k miles E46 last year after it started whining like hell. Used one of the £60 eBay jobs (assume a recon) and it is still going strong.

Just ordered a recon as well from eBay. Should be good