BMW Power Steering Flush How To! ATF Style. E36 E38 E39 E46 E53 E60 E65

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Quick down and dirty on how to Flush a BMW power steering fluid system with a reservoir/filter replacement. I’ll link a fluid evaluator below :)
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[@androidery1999]

I love when I find that one video that actually gives me the complete picture of how I should service something. My fluid was disgusting and I was just going to flush it. Having not known that I would need to replace the reservoir because of the filter and possibly the hoses. Now I know it all. Thanks so much!

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad you found it helpful!!! :) Thanks for the comment

[@carolyngiuffre7623]

KZbin has become to gimmicky. Always trying to sell you something every channel copy's the KZbin algorithm for views. Same intro sponsored affiliate links for products bribed by some company to promote a product I can't find any of the videos I want anymore because KZbin now throws sponsored paid channels that are unrelated to my search. I hate it so much. I miss old KZbin

[@carolyngiuffre7623]

Or diy build a fluid evaluator. If you have a compressor already or large spray bottle it's fairly simple and cheap

[@scorps-hl8ue]

I brought a pump extractor off eBay hopefully this works 12/LTRs a minute 12-24volts

[@landuXD]

2 videos on the same day? Thats what I call dedication! Keep it comin man

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks! Tryin my best to give you guys as much content as possible

[@Ernes2606]

II absolutely love watching your videos. Just keep making them. Greetings from Germany

[@DayOffDIY]

Will do! Thanks for stopping by 👍🏻

[@jinendow]

just binged a bunch of your e46 videos, you rock!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Gene! Super appreciate it

[@chadriddle3517]

Just realized we got 2 videos today ! And again valuable e46 common issues content ! Appreciate your channel. I can do relate just recently done this job. You went the extra mile to get that fluid clear ! Kudos

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Chad, yeah I went big today, figured get em out as soon as theyre done, no need to hold content from you guys to spread it out over the weeks, rather get it to ya and get started on the next one :)

[@MLC...]

Thank you! Another one, the weekend just got better!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks partner! Appreciate the comment

[@therealq10]

Man I’ve been loving your videos so much I finally had to comment. Keep it up!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks for stopping by! Appreciate it

[@louisdefilippi8982]

Clear and straightforward. Thanks.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks for the feedback!!!

[@louisdefilippi8982]

@@DayOffDIY I did a power steering flush on my 2001 BMW X5 3.0 a few weeks ago and again today, using the turkey baster method. Before flushing the fluid was quite cloudy and a red-brown. After just these two flushes the fluid is a nice cherry red and with minimal cloudiness. At this point I am leaving the filter alone but if things go south it will be the next on my list. Once again, thanks for a fabulous video!

[@DayOffDIY]

awesome news louis! glad I could be of some help! @@louisdefilippi8982

[@halimhadjameur3585]

Thank you for helpingping us working on our cars not only saving $ Also learning how to keep our toys Rolling with my kids around me

[@Vyker]

Two in one day!! Let's go!!!

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad someone’s excited about it 🙃

[@bogusienombre355]

Let's Goooooo !

[@tomgoffnett5624]

Fantastic tutorial. Thank you very much. I appreciate your time and work. Liked, subscribed, hit the notification bell.

[@BryanClementi]

Absolutely great video! Concise and detailed. I just replaced my rack in my E36 and this video is really going to help me out tomorrow when I fill the system back up with fluid. Thank you!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Bryan! Really appreciate the feedback! glad I could help, and welcome to the channel

[@michalliska7629]

Let´s go, nothing better than two uploads the same day, shame I didn´t have time to watch them right away

[@DayOffDIY]

Always good to see you Michal, as long as #216 shows up eventually I’m happy :)

[@jannenorman1599]

Great video as always. Cheers from Sweden.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Janne! Awesome to have a viewer from Sweden!

[@dmvflyhigh]

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU! What size werre the bolts?

[@tragicalaxe4352]

You are amazing at what you do. Keep it up this is an exceptional video

[@DayOffDIY]

thanks for the support friend!

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

@@DayOffDIY Agreed ! Seriously good !! 🎯

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Thank you ! That’s a great lesson and video ! 👊🏼 🔥

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@tjruffian]

Great job! Thanks so much!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you!!!

[@heyimadrian.4546]

Thanks bro, did mine with the help of your video

[@DayOffDIY]

Awesome! Glad I could help!!!

[@rendanialex2994]

Keep the good content coming 👌

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you, I will! :)

[@13_death_jester24]

Thank You For the Help.

[@DayOffDIY]

glad it was helpful!

[@basesperanca]

Awesome. I'll be doing this one soon. Cool that I watched your video before doing it because I wouldn't have thought to buy a new expansion tank (no idea there was a filter in there).

[@DayOffDIY]

glad you saw it! Always a good idea to replace the filter

[@basesperanca]

@@DayOffDIY the E46's serpentine belt also started squeaking now... I'll be trying to replace it. I found a video but now torque specs on the bolts for the tensioner/idler. Any idea where I can get those? Cheers and thanks a lot! Subbed :)

[@DayOffDIY]

@@basesperanca Hey Bruno, I usually just google it if I dont recall the specs. is it a M54tu?

[@basesperanca]

@@DayOffDIY M54 2.2L 125kw 170hp 320ci

[@rogeralmrndarez]

Hey great video thanks share your time 🙏god bless you!!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you! You too!

[@pravinnaidu9652]

Enjoyed this as well. Commenting and liking to bump up the YT algorithm 😁

[@DayOffDIY]

May the algorithm be forever in my favor 😂🙃 thanks

[@carolyngiuffre7623]

Good tips I learned something new

[@DayOffDIY]

thanks carolyn! glad you found it useful

[@lieutenantdan8170]

Great tutorial keep it up

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks, will do Lt!

[@robertgreatsinger9179]

Great instructions 👍

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@martinmugabe6621]

Great info thank you

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for stopping by

[@mattpolhamus9194]

Great video

[@geeniusatwrok]

I had no idea replacing the reservoir was a maintenance item. The PS pump on my 2001 E53 was making a subtle growl but the fluid was relatively clear. With almost 200,00mi on it I figured that (once I learned there was a damn filter in the thing) it was time to replace the reservoir. I could not get the extractor tube down the suction hose due to the sharp bends in the M54 placement of it, so I pulled out as much as I could with it. For M54 in E53 put plenty of absorbents over the alternator so it doesn't get soaked with ATF when removing the old unit. I did not purge the old fluid out and topped it up with fresh fluid after starting the engine and cycling the steering wheel lock to lock (the old fluid was till clear). Seems better now. The old reservoir must have had a slow leak because it was always getting oily and dirty. Hope the new one holds up better. Anyway, glad I stumbled across this video otherwise I would never have known it was a maintenance thing.

[@PhantomZore]

This is going to be good. Calling it now 👍

[@DayOffDIY]

My man!

[@asimpleton2.0]

Great video 🙌

[@DayOffDIY]

Appreciate the support my friend!

[@iguanaSR]

Thanks, great video

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad you liked it!

[@damianspears2469]

I fucking love your e46 videos

[@DayOffDIY]

youre awesome damian, thank you! more content coming very soon

[@bogusienombre355]

This was great. You cleared up any questions I had lingering. The lighting was beautiful. The photographer in me cheers that move!

[@DayOffDIY]

Awesome, thank you! Trying my best to keep lighting good. Always good to see you in the comments!

[@bogusienombre355]

@@DayOffDIY You bet. That's very even light with no shadows in the way. Good camera and human positioning.Your exposure is perfect. no blown out over exposure or too low light levels. It is the best I've seen .

[@DayOffDIY]

@@bogusienombre355 Youre awesome, thank you!

[@PhantomZore]

Great video on a quick power steering fluid change and reminding people there is a filter in that pot. I did this method and it didn’t look Cherry red and my OCD would not let it be, so I jacked the car up and took the return line off and put it into a old bottle. I used a old hose to seal the now open return on the pot. Then just turned the steering wheel left to right with the engine off and stoping from time to time to top Up the pot. it replaced 99% of the fluid and looked just as Cherry red as it did coming out the new bottle.

[@DayOffDIY]

Love that idea! Never done it that way, but I just might next time. How much fluid did it take ya?

[@PhantomZore]

2 to 3 litres. It’s pure fluid going in and the old fluid is not turned to the system so I found it a lot more efficient. 👍

[@DayOffDIY]

@@PhantomZore sounds like it! I’m gunna have to try that next time

[@kyefang8278]

@@PhantomZore That much? I heard it should be less than 1 litre.

[@hogster5935]

Very nice vid. I flushed mine too but didn't replace res. My steering was working fine, I just like to flush all fluids. I have 80k on my 530i. I will do that next time.

[@DayOffDIY]

good move! not always necessary but for the old junk i pickup i like to cover the filters, dont blame you with only 80k on it

[@smedlap8789]

Great video! I need to do the same, the steering on my 06 e90 is becoming hard to turn. I want to try this first myself before having the pump replaced. It has 90k miles and needs some lovin'. I saved your video👍

[@DayOffDIY]

awesome! its possible there could be a restriction in your P/S reservoir filter... hopefully replacing it will free up the stiffness. thanks for the comment!

[@smedlap8789]

@@DayOffDIY I had no idea there was a filter in the reservoir. There is some fluid on the top of the container. I'm sure it's well overdue to be replaced. Again thank you for the superb video explanation!

[@smedlap8789]

@@DayOffDIY I just finished replacing the reservoir. No major difference after driving around a bit. I will give it some time and then look into getting the pump replaced. I do have coilovers on my car and need to replace the front shock mounts and replace with a camber kit. I'm sure having my car lowered is affecting it as well. 🙄

[@jenseninterceptor3416]

Brilliant video thanks man. Roughly how much fluid will l need to flush the system will 2 litres be enough or will l need 4 (or in American thats half a gallon or a full gallon) Many thanks

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you! I would say a full gallon to play it safe. I like to buy the gallon size of the cheapest ATF i can find, no need to go expensive for the power steering system, it will run on practically anything lol

[@bogusienombre355]

Hi Alec. how you doing today may 2. Atf in my 325i automatic is correct? Just doing my research review today. Its about time to get fluids changed. Weather is really pretty perfect. Puppy training looks like its doing very good. Such a people pleaser you have. Shes so sweet.

[@DayOffDIY]

Hey Bog! If it’s an E46, ATF is the correct fluid! I believe they changed to CHF11s on the E90s. Any cheap bulk ATF will do! Cheers! Thanks for the comment

[@CohnWolfeFitness]

Brake fluid flush next please :)

[@DayOffDIY]

Great idea, that’ll probly be my next video!!!

[@missaneido7417]

Thank you for the excellent video. Would the same apply to the E90?

[@DayOffDIY]

No problem! It’s the same process, slightly different bottle and fluid type but the idea is the same. You can’t sneak the evacuator hose down the CHF11s bottle though

[@missaneido7417]

@@DayOffDIY Thank you so much.

[@iyajangir3440]

omg so much fluid

[@DayOffDIY]

Takes a few quarts

[@DayOffDIY]

Atf is cheap though

[@Crotch_Goblin1]

This video is gold... Even tho i am not driving BMW 😂 I have the question, if you turn the wheel on the far right or left, and you hear squeaking, is that power steering belt? Need to be replaced?

[@DayOffDIY]

That’s the pump and power steering system hitting full lock which spikes power steering fluid pressure and creates that noise. Some cars can make squeaking noise is some cases but on my car and any healthy system that little struggle noise on full turn is normal

[@Crotch_Goblin1]

@@DayOffDIY I gotcha. This is happening at my father's car but it's not little sound, it is squeaking like crazy. I guess his pump is on a way out? Maybe if he do the flush like you dis in this video can help with that?

[@emmanuelpart3690]

Very good video! Is it the same ATF oil for an e30? I went to bmw and they sold me ATF 2 oil (yellow) …..

[@DayOffDIY]

Same atf for both power steering systems, I just use any old red all purpose ATF, no need for yellow

[@Zapata6388]

Merci beaucoup 👍

[@DayOffDIY]

:)

[@ibanez250]

Thank you for the video! How much ATF did you need to do this whole flush? I'd like to do the same on my e46 330Ci and am not sure how much ATF to buy

[@DayOffDIY]

I bought a gallon of cheap ATF and i didnt use all of it. any brand basic ATF will do, and that should save you some money

[@ibanez250]

@@DayOffDIY Amazing. Thank you so much!

[@ibanez250]

@@DayOffDIY What is the best day to get rid of/recycle old ATF after doing this?

[@DayOffDIY]

@@ibanez250 I take it to my local Oreilly Auto Parts, they accept up to 10 gallons of used oil per day per person

[@m0oman]

Can I use a semi synthetic dex3 ATF? Just want to make sure I haven’t done the wrong thing by not using a a mineral only ATF fluid

[@geeniusatwrok]

Yes, any type of ATF is fine.

[@maeu59]

I have a 2005 e46 with only 40,000 miles and never changed the fluid, there are no leaks,would you recommend changing the reservoir as well.

[@geeniusatwrok]

If the fluid is clear and bright red, and there's no leaks nor any whiny/growling noises from the pump, probably not necessary.

[@noegutierrez5480]

What size are the hose clamps? I want to make sure I order the right size online with the new bottle

[@DayOffDIY]

Ya know I’m not too sure, you could buy an assorted size kit and cover all the sizes to play it safe. Always good to have spares on hand

[@cptbeeeeee]

I have a question for the community here. I recently did this to my e46 touring. Among other jobs I did, I replaced the reservoir and the two lines from it, flushed the power steering fluid til it was clear. I then took a long drive up the central California coast. I lost power steering in the first hour of the drive but then halfway through the drive it came back and hasn't had issues since. Could this be the signs of a failing pump? Since this is my first e46 I can't tell what the steering should feel like so I have no reference.

[@DayOffDIY]

Could be a intermittent failure in the pump, or could’ve been debris that blocked power steering pressure temporarily. I’d pull the belt off and spin the power steering pump by hand and see how it feels, or check to see if the pump pulley has any play in and out

[@bogusienombre355]

how's your power steering now? I was wondering if the suction hose on revs tank had a kink in it from placement.

[@mikromidas2477]

Wanna do this on my e39, but i’ve head terrible stories about people using wrong atf or psf where the pump and rack started leaking etc. what atf oil do i need?

[@DayOffDIY]

I just use any old traditional ATF. At the shop I used to work at we would use Oreily brand ATF, I’ve never had any issues with it!

[@anidiotinaracingcar4874]

Anything you'd do differently for a car running CHF 11S?

[@DayOffDIY]

nope! same exact procedure for CHF 11S, just different fluid!

[@yusufsesay6648]

Do I have to replace the reservoir or no I am just very low on fluid there is no fluid in there which explained the whining noise and a bit difficult to steer

[@DayOffDIY]

If youre flushing the PS system or doing any repairs that end up draining the system its always a good idea to replace because theres a filter inside. Sounds like you just need a power steering fluid top off, but if you ever do service the P/S system a new bottle would be a good idea

[@Splash_1350]

How do you work air bubbles out of the system and make sure it’s air bubble free?

[@DayOffDIY]

after filling up the system, with the engine off you can turn the steering wheel side to side, lock to lock, and it will work the bubbles out. you can also do this with the engine running. you dont need to worry about bubbles in the system like you would with the brake lines, they will work themselves out and it wont do any damage.

[@mertcapkin7263]

Is CHF 11S also suitable for power steering on an E46?

[@DayOffDIY]

Potentially, but i would run ATF to play it safe. they switched to CHF for the E60s E90s etc

[@ivos.1494]

What happens if you actually use Pentosin CHF 11S, and not ATF? I’ve replaced the lower hoses on mine, and used CHF instead as per Alldata. Mine is an ‘02 325xi!

[@DayOffDIY]

Never done it before! Always stuck with what fluid came in it. Any issues so far?

[@ivos.1494]

@@DayOffDIY It works just fine, but it was spending though.

[@mertcapkin7263]

Still going strong with CHF 11S?

[@ivos.1494]

@@mertcapkin7263 Still going strong w/ trouble free. I’ve replaced the power steering hoses as they were weeping and flushed the system from all the transmission fluid that it had. I just wished it wasn’t so expensive, used two and a half bottles in the whole flushing procedure. Spent over $90 bucks.

[@miguelm3676]

Where I can purchase the reservoir for a M3 1997 leaky power steering ?

[@DayOffDIY]

FCPeuro.com is one of my favorite parts sources

[@mysmic]

Service manual specification is for Dextron only.

[@DayOffDIY]

ive always used generic ATF for years with no problem

[@kausaththeekshanarathnayak1224]

Can I use mannol Dextron 11 for my bmw 2007 e90 320D.

[@DayOffDIY]

If it’s red fluid I use all purpose ATF, if it’s green, gotta use CHF11S

[@viv1d_dr3amz89]

Just a question why not steering pump fluid but atf ?

[@DayOffDIY]

The P/S fluid for this engine is ATF, so its the same thing pretty much.

[@bogusienombre355]

wil that take the stiffness out of steering wheel motion?

[@DayOffDIY]

It did help quite a bit, although BMWs are naturally stiff at the wheel

[@bogusienombre355]

@@DayOffDIY Thanks. I've only driven my e46 and. 750li which was stiff too.

[@nallelymaldonado6216]

Hello, can this method work for 2011 e92 m3 as well? Thank you.

[@DayOffDIY]

Hello! Yeah it’s a similar method however I think on your E92 it’s CHF11S fluid instead of ATF. Replacing the bottle and flushing will be the same

[@nallelymaldonado6216]

@@DayOffDIY thank you so much.

[@tomlantis8016]

Can’t get a replacement bottle for my 750il e38😢 discontinued because I also got self levelling so the bottle is different

[@DayOffDIY]

What a bummer! no luck on ebay or anything?

[@tomlantis8016]

@@DayOffDIY I tried everywhere no stock. Don’t know if it has a filter or not. It looks the same as the regular bottle but this one’s longer. Maybe I can figure something out. Gotta make scarifies for a v12

[@DayOffDIY]

@@tomlantis8016 it’s such a rare care I’m sure it’s not the first and won’t be the last! Wish you the best of luck, if I ever see one I’ll grab it for you

[@rebmaster899]

my cap says chf11s. should i follow that fluid?

[@DayOffDIY]

Yes! CHF11s is the newer style fluid bmw used. Same concept for flushing but different fluid and bottle/filter

[@weliveinasimulation.]

I'm looking for a similar how to video for my f15 X5 50i that takes chf11s without much luck :(

[@DayOffDIY]

Same process applies, just a different bottle and different fluid! Im sure you could knock it out

[@jamjestlx]

What size of hose clamps do You use?

[@DayOffDIY]

off the top of my head im not sure, but i prefer the worm gear style, always safe to order an assorted sized kit

[@jamjestlx]

@@DayOffDIY I found the sizes: 16,5mm for smaller and 21mm for bigger hose

[@clivelawrence8017]

@@jamjestlx thank you for this! I was really hoping someone would find the clamp sizes and post them here in the comments. This job is on my todo list after seeing how brown the current ATF fluid is :(

[@desoneill5489]

It's not good practice to use screw down hose clamps on plastic fittings. They have a tendenancy to break the plastic. I use a different type of clamp when replacing those factory non-replaceable type clamps. I use spring type hose clamps. Just make sure you choose the correct size which exerts constant pressure on the join.

[@DayOffDIY]

thanks for the comment! thats why i use the ratchet driver. Never applies too much force to cause any harm, much better than a 1/4" ratchet in my opinion. Im not a fan of the spring clamps, just always preferred german made wormgear style clamps

[@mohammad4451]

dude the way you flus the power steering is not the ideal , ATF and CHF aren't cheap here in Egypt😅 , in my shop i put the extractor in the reservoir first and turn the wheels lock to lock with engine off , when it stops pumping I remove the reservoir and put the extractor in the return hose to suck any fluid left with turning the steering , when it's done I reattach the reservoir and refill the fluid then turn the steering lock to lock with engine off till the bubbles disappear then turn on the engine and steering lock to lock several times then top the fluid and it's done . wish it'll be helpful 😊

[@DayOffDIY]

Great tip! Yeah CHF is a lot more expensive.. and I agree, there are better ways to do it no doubt. This is just what I did at the shop for years and ATF was easy to come by. I will try this method in the future and try to be more efficient! :)

[@danielbachvarov9059]

how much atf do you need for this job

[@DayOffDIY]

mmmm... maybe 1/2 a gallon? best to buy a gallon and have extra

[@russellreyes4048]

you going to sale the car

[@DayOffDIY]

Maybe one day! Or if someone makes an offer I can’t refuse

[@cardiffkook92007]

I thought these bimmes used chf 11s

[@DayOffDIY]

The older ones run ATF, around 2006-2007 they switched to CHF11s on most models

[@minutemaniii7062]

Why ATF , why not CHF11S😮

[@DayOffDIY]

This chassis takes ATF, the newer E60s E90s etc took CHF11s

[@samuelellis7459]

Foolish comment

[@anjingkampung]

That engine bay looks factory new.

[@DayOffDIY]

pressure washing and a can of stoner trim shine does wonders :)