Power steering pump leak

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Thu Feb 07, 2013 2:00 am

There is a slight leak in the recess above the top washer, hex nut, where the top tube enters the pump. Just enough to drip on the floor, not enough to cause a perceptible drop in fluid. Mickey Mouse, annoying.

Assuming there's a ring gasket under the washer, is it possible to disconnect the hose, tighten the hex nut,...or take it off and replace what's leaking ?

In the car ? Or do we pull the whole pump and swap in another.

THEN fix the leak on the bench. I mean in the pump. The bench isn't leaking.

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Thu Feb 07, 2013 1:07 pm

Are you referring to the top tube, low pressure line?

I don't think there is a sealing washer in there. I think it is a tapered connection. Try adding a little torque to it first.

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Thu Feb 07, 2013 11:17 pm

Yes; top, low pressure.

Thanks, I'll try tightening. Again. I think the last attempt, a long time ago, wanted to booger the hex nut, felt tight, not right to continue without asking what was going on under the tube washer.

Blaise · Post by **Blaise** » Thu Feb 07, 2013 11:46 pm

It is not the end of the world to remove the pump and take a closer look on the bench. It might make sense to see how that thing is seating.

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 12:26 am

Once above 50 degrees, maybe in May, plan A is to just swap in the spare.

I really appreciate the help, advice from members of the board. At the same time, I'm beginning to notice the ace mechanics who knew everything about cars built 35 years ago, are retired to Florida. Mike is the only one who seems to keep in touch.

The repair manual on line, with the blasto crud, scorched out photos ( I know, shut up and buy a print version) gives some foggy directions to use special tools 34-3-151 and 152. To do exactly what, torque ? isn't clear either.

If anyone is reading this from Florida, cool if you have any input.

Otherwise I think I'm on my own.

Falkenberg · Post by **Falkenberg** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:42 am

That's not very nice of you to say, imho.

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:33 am

I was attempting levity, not any offense. What was interpreted as not nice ?

Bmw mechanics in their twenties in 1979 are nearing 60. So am I. Ouch.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 11:53 pm

Looks like a bubble flare kind of like a brake line from Realoem.

It might have gotten damaged or there might be some dirt in there to prevent it from seating correctly, hard to say. Maybe clean it up with some valve grinding compound or something. You could play games with copper packing or similar, but I'm not sure I'd want to go there. Still, it's the low pressure side, so you've got that on your side. A new one isn't all that expensive either, under $20, before shipping and handling from Tischer.

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 10:44 am

If that exploded view is on realoem.com. I should be shot.

As it looks like just a hex nut holding it, why would the BMW repair manual refer to special tools ?

Just curious, I'm going in regardless.

Jeff Dennis · Post by **Jeff Dennis** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 11:03 am

I got the joke made me laugh but I'm 60 this year and don't like Florida that much. I'm not a super wrench but I try... when I can get out of the walker......Ha

I do remember how E12's smelled when they were new and a kiss from a beautiful woman in the front seat....Ahhhh

Lenny D. · Post by **Lenny D.** » Mon Feb 25, 2013 9:26 pm

Glad I don't live in Fla.

60 feels like a distant memory. And you know that the second thing that goes is your memory and you can't remember the first.