power steering gone on E46
Discussion
well drove to the shops this morning and all seemed fine, but when i got back in, i had no power steering. ive tryed re-starting it several times, but it just won't work.
ive checked the aux belt, and that is fine, so im guessing its the pump?
can anyone tell me how hard this is to change? or is it best to give it to a garage? its a 1999 E46 328CI.
and will i be doing any damage by continuine to drive it? ie will it damage the steering rack Etc.
also ive never driven a car with no power steering, but f
k me its stiff at low speed, i need to use all my strenth just to move it. although its not too bad once moving.
although im just glad it didn't go while i was driving/mid corner, as i doubt i would have made the corner.
cheers for any help
ive checked the aux belt, and that is fine, so im guessing its the pump?
can anyone tell me how hard this is to change? or is it best to give it to a garage? its a 1999 E46 328CI.
and will i be doing any damage by continuine to drive it? ie will it damage the steering rack Etc.
also ive never driven a car with no power steering, but f

although im just glad it didn't go while i was driving/mid corner, as i doubt i would have made the corner.
cheers for any help
Check the fuses first? I'd imagine the motor would be fused.
Power steering pumps usually give lots of audible signs when they are dying. If it's been good and quiet up until now, I'd take the electrical slant on it at first.
ETA. Hmm, just read it again and noticed your comment about the aux. belt. You may need to ignore my above reference to fuses.
Maybe post it in the BMW section on here?
Power steering pumps usually give lots of audible signs when they are dying. If it's been good and quiet up until now, I'd take the electrical slant on it at first.
ETA. Hmm, just read it again and noticed your comment about the aux. belt. You may need to ignore my above reference to fuses.

Maybe post it in the BMW section on here?
Edited by Baz Tench on Sunday 6th February 11:48
yes its a mechanical pump so no fuses.
i will say i have been getting a few vibrations through the steering wheel, and a slight whine every now and again. and its done 160K miles so its probably the end of its life.
ive just got the haynes manual out and its only a 3 spanner job, and doesn't look too bad, aslong as there is good access, so will have a go at it myself. and can get a new pump off ebay for 120 quid so not too bad.
only problem is i havent got a day off till next wednesday, so will have to last without power steering a week.
i will say i have been getting a few vibrations through the steering wheel, and a slight whine every now and again. and its done 160K miles so its probably the end of its life.
ive just got the haynes manual out and its only a 3 spanner job, and doesn't look too bad, aslong as there is good access, so will have a go at it myself. and can get a new pump off ebay for 120 quid so not too bad.
only problem is i havent got a day off till next wednesday, so will have to last without power steering a week.
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