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Car Forum / BMW Cars / November 2006

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Steering wheel squeak, 1989 325i, fluid question

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Nancy_Teitelbaum@yahoo.com - 22 Nov 2006 10:23 GMT
I noticed that the steering wheel fluid was almost completely gone -
way below the minimum on the dipstick.  I added some STP fluid, not a
lot, just to bring it up.  The manual and the reservoir cap both say
use ATF fluid only.  I now have the ATF fluid.  Meanwhile, I hear the
steering wheel squeaking when I turn.  Did I mess something up by
running so low on the fluid?  Or by adding a bit of STP fluid?   I was
going to add some ATF fluid tomorrow to bring it to the maximum level.
Thanks, anyone, for your help!  I really appreciate it.
admin - 22 Nov 2006 14:48 GMT
> I noticed that the steering wheel fluid was almost completely gone -
> way below the minimum on the dipstick.  I added some STP fluid, not a
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> going to add some ATF fluid tomorrow to bring it to the maximum level.
> Thanks, anyone, for your help!  I really appreciate it.

Nancy,

What sort of "STP" fluid did you add?  Was it power-steering fluid? If
so - you may want to have the steering system flushed ASAP.. it may
damage the pump or the seals in your power-steering rack.

More info is needed - such as exactly what the fluid you added is and
what year/model BMW we're talking about (they do make a number of
models, and have for about 70 years now..)
Nancy_Teitelbaum@yahoo.com - 22 Nov 2006 19:32 GMT
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, it was regular STP power steering fluid.  After driving on it a
couple of days, it's now making the same squeakig sound when I turn the
wheel as it did when it had run low.  What should I do?  It's a 1989
325i.  The fluid level is now halfway between min. and max.  Should I
add the Castrol Dexron III ATP fluid I've now got to bring up to max?

> > I noticed that the steering wheel fluid was almost completely gone -
> > way below the minimum on the dipstick.  I added some STP fluid, not a
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> what year/model BMW we're talking about (they do make a number of
> models, and have for about 70 years now..)
Fred W - 22 Nov 2006 19:41 GMT
> Thanks for your reply.
> Yes, it was regular STP power steering fluid.  After driving on it a
> couple of days, it's now making the same squeakig sound when I turn the
> wheel as it did when it had run low.  What should I do?  It's a 1989
> 325i.  The fluid level is now halfway between min. and max.  Should I
> add the Castrol Dexron III ATP fluid I've now got to bring up to max?

You should bring the car to a garage so they can drain the power
steering fluid and replace it with all of the correct type.  You may
damage the PS pump if you continue to drive it as it is.  Of course you
might not, too.  It's your gamble.

Signature

-Fred W

Bob Smitter - 22 Nov 2006 22:23 GMT
> Thanks for your reply.
> Yes, it was regular STP power steering fluid.  After driving on it a
> couple of days, it's now making the same squeakig sound when I turn the
> wheel as it did when it had run low.  What should I do?  It's a 1989
> 325i.  The fluid level is now halfway between min. and max.  Should I
> add the Castrol Dexron III ATP fluid I've now got to bring up to max?

You have far more serious issues than what type of fluid to add.
You have a leak, and a bad one.  For sure, fill with Dexron,
but you need to get the leak diagnosed.  It could be anything
from a loose hose to a leaking rack.
Andrew Morton - 23 Nov 2006 08:39 GMT
<snip oil issue dealt with elsewhere>
> Meanwhile, I hear the steering wheel squeaking when I turn.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=bmw+steering+wheel+squeak&btnG=Google+Search
e.g.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245961

Andrew
 
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