BMW power steering pump

[bimmer_87]

Had a quick search, but couldn't find anything, and alot of mixed messages on google.

So its time to ask my fellow PHers! :-)

My power steering pump appears to be quite groany recently especially after 1-2 hours of constant urban driving. Fluid is fine.

Pump must be abit knackered so i'm looking for a replacement, I've read about some service bulletin for these pumps on the earlier E46's, about being noisy at low turning speeds and increase effort needed, but theres so many types of different pumps, even the main dealers tell me different models.

But ive narrowed it down, its either an:

LUK LF-30

or

LUK LF-20

not sure which had the problems, and which is garanteed to fit my car. so please can anyone clarify this, thanks.

[bimmer_87]

Forgot to mention its a 2002MY 325ci sport

[Killwilly]

I have a 2001 E46 saloon (52000 miles). My steering pump failed last year whilst on holiday in the south of France. The car was in a main dealers for six days whilst they got a replacement £600 fitted.
I had no indication that it was going, just got into the car one morning, turned on the ignition, wham, kaput. I have since read that early E46 models are prone to this problem.

[E30M3SE]

You might want to give this stuff a go, it has worked for me in the past, not on a BMW but still.

Edited by E30M3SE on Thursday 7th May 14:16

[bimmer_87]

That Forte treatment looks very tempting, alot of it is on sale on Ebay, alot easier to buy from there, compared to their own website, i'll be looking to give that a go, thanks!

[Killwilly]

Whilst on the subject of power steering, does anyone know the exact level the fluid should be when cold? The dip stick has two marks, mine is about halfway between both when cold. The handbook makes no reference to this fluid level.

[E30M3SE]

Killwilly said:

Whilst on the subject of power steering, does anyone know the exact level the fluid should be when cold? The dip stick has two marks, mine is about halfway between both when cold. The handbook makes no reference to this fluid level.

IIRC needs to be checked warm/hot. Should be between the two level on the dipstick, obviously if it's towards the bottom mark (warm/hot) then add a touch.

[bimmer_87]

Ive never actually noticed a difference in fluid level when hot or cold.