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davids101
Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 5
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Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 3:33 pm Post subject: Power steering fluid resevoir on 1986 635csi |
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Greetings-
I want to check the power steering fluid level on my 86 E24. I experience noise when the car's cold but then the P/S noise seems to disappear. I was told the fluid might be a bit low + the fact it's been cold lately....where is the resevoir? I don't yet have a repair manual... Is it the fairly large brass cylinder near the battery? I was also told to use Dextron II ATF fluid. Can anyone help me out?
Thanks very much & cheers,
David |
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edjack
Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 3:58 pm Post subject: |
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Every BMW I've ever seen places the PS reservoir near the front left corner of the engine compartment. Later models have a star-shaped cap.
Verify via your owner's manual what fluid is required.
Consider flushing the PS system. You'd be shocked at the condition of old fluid that has never been changed. _________________
Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior. |
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davids101
Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 5
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Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 1:09 am Post subject: |
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Thanks edjack-
The P/S resovoir location you mention-left front corner near battery, matches what I assumed was the resovoir. I unscrewed the top and noticed a filter which I popped out. The fluid is clear, but pretty low-less than half-way full below the mesh filter near the top cap....As I review my service records, the P/S pump was replaced 1 yr ago (only about 3k miles ago) along with 3 V-belts and oil seals. However I don't see any charge for P/S fluid (ATF fluid) so it makes me wonder if they replaced fluid?
Should the fluid level be at or above the mesh filter? If so I guess I should top off and then check for leaks......
Thanks again for your follow-up!
Cheers |
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edjack
Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:30 am Post subject: |
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As I remember, the cap should have a dipstick attached. In any event, the filter should be covered with fluid.
If the fluid is clear, as opposed to red, it is not ATF. Check your manual. _________________
Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior. |
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davids101
Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 5
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Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 12:41 am Post subject: |
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I need to buy an official repair manual..The manual that comes with the car is pretty useless.
Thanks again Ed....Happy driving! |
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edjack
Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 12:48 am Post subject: |
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Looks like Bentley has not published a service manual for your car. Your best bet may be this: http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=b588
Lots of similarities. _________________
Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior. |
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davids101
Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 5
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Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 3:36 am Post subject: |
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Thanks-
I was just online wandering around trying to locate a decent manual. I see one by Chilton's for the 635 but don't know if Chilton's books are any good?....can't remember but I think a BMW dealer mentioned that the manual for the 735 is close to the 635 since the engine/transmission are the same. But I would think the 5 series would also be similar in many areas as well.
Thanks again |
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edjack
Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 11:42 am Post subject: |
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Get a Bentley's and a Chilton. They might be complementary.
The electronics on the 7 series might be closer to the 6, than would be the 5 series, since both 6 and 7 are luxo cars. _________________
Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior. |
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davids101
Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 5
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Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 2:53 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Edjack,
As I was checking out the Bently website I came across a post by seal11@aol.com who says he has manuals for 6-series E-24's...waiting to hear back from him with details on cost, contents, etc.
I also just noticed you're in SJ...I'm in Redwood City so I may see you rolling down the highway in the area...happy motoring and thanks for your info.
Cheers,
David |
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