Heavy steering on 2001 X5 3.0d

[gareth82]

Hi I recently bought a 2001 X5 3.0d. Delighted with it so far just ironing out the wee problems with it. The steering on it is very heavy, is that the way these are? Power steering fluid level is fine. Is it worth while changing the fluid and would it lighten the steering?

thanks

[thedweeb]

Are you getting any starnge sounds i.e belts slipping.
Dweeb

[gareth82]

[quote=""thedweeb""]Are you getting any starnge sounds i.e belts slipping.
Dweeb[/quote]

Hi no strange sounds at all and all feels tight and the way it should, just heavy

[thedweeb]

I'd change the fluid As its cheapest thing to do and fingers crossed may sort the problem.
dweeb

[petert]

Worth doing a cross-check with a smilar model/year - may just be different to what you were used to but on the other hand the power steering may be goosed. Not a small car and the diesel will be heavier weightwise at the front but perhaps BMW account for that in the car's set up.

Peter T

[gareth82]

Thanks for the reply's what's the best/easiest way to change the fluid and what power steering fluid does it need and how many litres?

Thanks again

[paulbryson75]

I find mine can be a little heavy at times (2002), especially say when going very slow - then for some reason seems to sort it self out again. Doesn't happen all the time though - one of those strange little things!

[thedweeb]

[quote=""gareth82""]Thanks for the reply's what's the best/easiest way to change the fluid and what power steering fluid does it need and how many litres?

Thanks again[/quote]
Go to the castrol website, put in your reg, it will then list all of the fluids needed and qty.

[gareth82]

[quote=""thedweeb""][quote=""gareth82""]Thanks for the reply's what's the best/easiest way to change the fluid and what power steering fluid does it need and how many litres?

Thanks again[/quote]
Go to the castrol website, put in your reg, it will then list all of the fluids needed and qty.[/quote]

Thanks mate been a great help, is the method of a turkey baster to remove old fluid then replace with new ok, I guess this would need done a few times to remove all of the old fluid.

cheers

[thedweeb]

I would say you need to get all the fluid out of the rack and not just the bottle. I did one years ago on a vauxhall...If i remember correctly I disconected one of the pipes from the rack or there may have been a drain plug not sure so you will need to check. Once all the fluid is out refill the bottle, start the engine then turn the steering lock to lock to blead out the air. Some other members may want to chime in as its been about 15 years since i did one.
Regards

Dweeb

[blingsta]

the steering on my X5 3.0D is soooo much heavier compared to my little run around polo. but if i drive the X for a few days, it feels like normal again.. its a tank of a motor