The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

[NoVAphotog]

Mike Miller says @30k.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[ELCID86]

Seth and don't forget the reservoir has a filter built in so should be changed periodically (but probably not as frequently).


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.

[UdubBadger]

Ok cool thanks. Don't think I included that in my maintenance overhaul this past year, could be part of why my steering feels off. What would really old fluid do to steering effect?

[stephenkirsh]

Define "off"

[UdubBadger]

loose maybe?

[derbo]

Wonder why mine won't. Holding the trunk button on the fob opens it though.

It's suppose to enable the latch to be pressed.


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[Johal E32]

loose maybe?

I don't think it would make it feel loose? Just extract the old fluid and throw some fresh ATF in there. You could disconnect a line a get more fluid out. When I change the fluid, I change it three times from the reservoir after every time I drive it. In order to get as much old fluid out and fresh fluid in.

[ELCID86]

Ok cool thanks. Don't think I included that in my maintenance overhaul this past year, could be part of why my steering feels off. What would really old fluid do to steering effect?

loose maybe?

I don't think it would make it feel loose? Just extract the old fluid and throw some fresh ATF in there. You could disconnect a line a get more fluid out. When I change the fluid, I change it three times from the reservoir after every time I drive it. In order to get as much old fluid out and fresh fluid in.

I'm not sure, but I'm sure Daniel could tell--he's very sensitive to these minor changes ;-] This would be a good first step, then on to mechanical components.

See the DIY, i used the trukey baster method and refill then with car on, go lock to lock with the wheel several times. "rinse and repeat" ~3 times. I'd go ahead and do the reservoir/filter for the sake of knowing its new.

[NoVAphotog]

I'm not sure, but I'm sure Daniel could tell--he's very sensitive to these minor changes ;-] This would be a good first step, then on to mechanical components.

See the DIY, i used the trukey baster method and refill then with car on, go lock to lock with the wheel several times. "rinse and repeat" ~3 times. I'd go ahead and do the reservoir/filter for the sake of knowing its new.

I can't say I noticed a major difference after replacing the reservoir and flushing the fluid but then again it was done at ~60k. I would venture to guess old fluid could affect steering the same way not changing the transmission fluid affects shifts (sludgy, loose, etc) given how it works with the pump/hydraulic system. I agree with Shawn in that it'd definitely be a good thing to start with as it helps retain the health of the pump itself. Move onto the mechanical components if the same feeling continues.

[UdubBadger]

And which components would that be? I know there isn't a visible leak in the steering rack. What else could it be? The entire suspension has been replaced in the 2 years I've had the car.

Steering have a guibo or something that would wear out? Couldn't find any parts for that from TMS or ECS.