bmwe21.net forums

Hello e21'ers,

I have a small oil leak from my power steering pump on my e21 323i (1983).

The leak has been identified as coming from the end of the low pressure pipe which connects the fluid reservoir and the pump. The pipe is secured by a hose clamp and either the hose clamp has worked loose or the rubber pipe has corroded (latter most likely).

The pipe connects at the rear/back of the pump and is pretty inaccessible, so I am wanting to remove the pump assembly to achieve good access. I want to replace the pipe with new clamps and re-install the pump. I'll also replace the belt whist i am at it.

Do any of you have any experience of doing this. I am really wanting some advice/instructions on how to best remove the pump assembly.

I have the workshop manual downloaded from this site but the section on steering doesn't appear to be included.

Do any of you guys have this section in pdf.........or can any of you guide me through the process?

Many thanks in advance.
cheers
Mark

Working from the top I think the air filter housing and alternator are in the way. If you remove those, doesn't that provide enough room? Disconnect the battery before you start!

Thanks Jeroen, but I think that would still be pretty tricky as the battery tray would be in the way and the pump is very low down.

I was hoping I might just be able to drop the power steering pump off from underneath, but was really just a little unsure as to the best sequence to go about this, as its also connected to a belt etc etc.

Has anyone here ever done this?? or have the section from the manual in pdf?
cheers
Mark

I was thinking of that option so you'd be able to get to just the pipe and the hose without removing the pump.

From underneath you can remove the pump which is pretty straight forward but there isn't much room as the sway bar is in the way and the hoses aren't too long, so you'd have to undo both of them. So that's going to be messy and more work imo, that's why I'd try from the top first.

no worries thanks Jeroen