Power steering seal breaking

jeremydgreat · 08-20-2009, 01:50 PM

So I was at my first track day with my 135i last weekend. The car performed wonderfully.

Towards the end of the day, I noticed that there was some liquid that had splattered over the right side of the engine cover and hoses. Upon closer inspection, it looked like my power steering reservoir had streaks running down the side.

At first I though I had a major issue- it's never a good sign to see fluids splattered around the engine and a canister leaking. A local mechanic at the track said that this was very common for BMW's and wasn't anything to worry about. He said that the rubber ring under the cap can sometimes break its seal under very high pressure (say, at a track day).

I took a walk around the garage and sure enough, every single BMW I looked at had the same streaks of fluid. Another 4-month-old 135i, a year-old 335i, and even an M6 had the same issue. In fact, the M6 looked like it had practically exploded.

Any thoughts on this? Should I just order a bunch of seals and replace them before each track day?

EDIT: Just noticed this thread. I'd still like to hear your thoughts though.

Mad Dragon · 08-20-2009, 02:35 PM

There is no seal on the cap; it's vented. If you overfill the reservior or gets it too hot, it'll overflow.

Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! · 08-20-2009, 10:04 PM

paper towel and rubber band FTW

Tom K. · 08-21-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!

paper towel and rubber band FTW

Or trade the 1er in on a Z4 with it's electric power steering.

Tom

jeremydgreat · 08-21-2009, 04:57 PM

Blogger please. I'm not trading my 1. You crazy.

Tom K. · 08-21-2009, 06:23 PM

Just trying to point out that the great feel of hydraulic power steering isn't a given on all "sporty" BMWs.

Tom

08-20-2009, 01:50 PM	#1
jeremydgreat Captain 76 Rep 676 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Diego, CA (Carlsbad to be exact) iTrader: (1)	Power steering seal breaking So I was at my first track day with my 135i last weekend. The car performed wonderfully. Towards the end of the day, I noticed that there was some liquid that had splattered over the right side of the engine cover and hoses. Upon closer inspection, it looked like my power steering reservoir had streaks running down the side. At first I though I had a major issue- it's never a good sign to see fluids splattered around the engine and a canister leaking. A local mechanic at the track said that this was very common for BMW's and wasn't anything to worry about. He said that the rubber ring under the cap can sometimes break its seal under very high pressure (say, at a track day). I took a walk around the garage and sure enough, every single BMW I looked at had the same streaks of fluid. Another 4-month-old 135i, a year-old 335i, and even an M6 had the same issue. In fact, the M6 looked like it had practically exploded. Any thoughts on this? Should I just order a bunch of seals and replace them before each track day? EDIT: Just noticed this thread. I'd still like to hear your thoughts though. __________________ 135i // M-Sports Package // RR Oil Catch Can // Black Kidneys // iCarbon Hood // Alum Pedals // KW v2 Coilovers // Vorshlag Camber Plates // Hotchkis Sway Bar // Wheel Studs. Best mod ever? Tires. 255's in front, 275's in back.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-20-2009, 02:35 PM	#2
Mad Dragon . 27 Rep 932 Posts Drives: 2010 GTI Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	There is no seal on the cap; it's vented. If you overfill the reservior or gets it too hot, it'll overflow.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-20-2009, 10:04 PM	#3
Addict...Nah Im A Junkie! Captain 34 Rep 786 Posts Drives: 09 135i, 98 M rdstr Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	paper towel and rubber band FTW __________________ '09 135i 6MT : Space Grey/Black ette : Cold Weather Package : Sport Package : Glacier Silver Aluminum Trim : iPod and USB : Nav : HD radio : Premium hi-fi system
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2009, 04:57 PM	#5
jeremydgreat Captain 76 Rep 676 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Diego, CA (Carlsbad to be exact) iTrader: (1)	Blogger please. I'm not trading my 1. You crazy. __________________ 135i // M-Sports Package // RR Oil Catch Can // Black Kidneys // iCarbon Hood // Alum Pedals // KW v2 Coilovers // Vorshlag Camber Plates // Hotchkis Sway Bar // Wheel Studs. Best mod ever? Tires. 255's in front, 275's in back.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2009, 06:23 PM	#6
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Just trying to point out that the great feel of hydraulic power steering isn't a given on all "sporty" BMWs. Tom
	Appreciate 0 Quote