[adrlan]

Hi everyone, I recently had the oil pan gasket replaced about a week ago on my N51 after taking it to a local indy who works on BMW and Porsches and he stated that the oil pan was the cause of my leak. But now a week after that repair and a grand later, my power steering fluid is somehow depleting rapidly from the reservoir. I topped off with Pentosin, but the fluid leaks rapidly and is gone in about 2 days. I just checked the bottom of my under belly and it is soaked in what I am assuming is the PS fluid. I have no idea what is causing the leak and my steering makes noise when I turn because it has little fluid. Anyone have any ideas on what the issue could be?

[Douche]

Originally Posted by adrlan

Hi everyone, I recently had the oil pan gasket replaced about a week ago on my N51 after taking it to a local indy who works on BMW and Porsches and he stated that the oil pan was the cause of my leak. But now a week after that repair and a grand later, my power steering fluid is somehow depleting rapidly from the reservoir. I topped off with Pentosin, but the fluid leaks rapidly and is gone in about 2 days. I just checked the bottom of my under belly and it is soaked in what I am assuming is the PS fluid. I have no idea what is causing the leak and my steering makes noise when I turn because it has little fluid. Anyone have any ideas on what the issue could be?

Yes, you have a power steering fluid leak.

[adrlan]

Originally Posted by Douche

Yes, you have a power steering fluid leak.

Do you happen do have a diagram of the power steering system? I checked the reservoir and the hoses attached to it and they are dry, since the underbelly of the car is wet I'm assuming it's something else in the power steering system.

[tturbolife]

the reservoir gasket is a common issue. easiest to just replace the whole thing, its like $40

[adrlan]

Originally Posted by tturbolife

the reservoir gasket is a common issue. easiest to just replace the whole thing, its like $40

I don't believe it's the reservoir gasket because it is dry on the outside, the bottom of the car is what is wet..

[techietaichi]

There's gotta be a trail leading to something. Post some pics.

[Efthreeoh]

I would assume that the PS oil leak is related to the oil pan gasket replacement work. I'd assume the subframe was dropped to do the pan gasket, which means the power steering rack was moved. I'd suspect that one of the two feed lines to the rack was not seated correctly (or wasn't tighten down and opened up) when it was re-installed. Take it back to the shop that did the pan work and have them fix it.

[E90SDGUY]

If there are noises when you turn the steering wheel then it might be your steering box located on the steering rack I believe. That is where your leak might be at or check the hoses that connect from the fluid resevor to the steering rack.

[adrlan]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I would assume that the PS oil leak is related to the oil pan gasket replacement work. I'd assume the subframe was dropped to do the pan gasket, which means the power steering rack was moved. I'd suspect that one of the two feed lines to the rack was not seated correctly (or wasn't tighten down and opened up) when it was re-installed. Take it back to the shop that did the pan work and have them fix it.

Yeah the subframe was dropped during that repair, thanks I'll bring it up tomorrow!

[Levanime]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I would assume that the PS oil leak is related to the oil pan gasket replacement work. I'd assume the subframe was dropped to do the pan gasket, which means the power steering rack was moved. I'd suspect that one of the two feed lines to the rack was not seated correctly (or wasn't tighten down and opened up) when it was re-installed. Take it back to the shop that did the pan work and have them fix it.

^_^ this + 100

[adrlan]

Originally Posted by Levanime

^_^ this + 100

I have a feeling the shop will deny it was their fault, what should I say to them if they refuse to fix the issue?

[adrlan]

The repair was done on 4/2/15 and I first noticed the steering noise was due to low PS Fluid and bought fluid to top off on 4/8/15 but I noticed the steering noise when turning left or right about 2 days before buying the fluid. Now the fluid is all over the bottom of my car, pics below. I believe that the shop will deny it was their fault, will be taking it in tomorrow to see what they say.

[Efthreeoh]

It could be as simple as a missing banjo bolt washer, or they could have re-used one and it didn't seat correctly, or the banjo bolt was torqued correctly upon installation.

I really don't see how the shop can deny a warranty claim on poor workmanship. Just be nice and courteous when you approach the shop about it. It looks to be an honest mistake. Don't be a dick about it going in; it's obvious the issue was not pre-existing when you had the pan work done.

[adrlan]

Just received the car back from the shop and they stated it was a loose o ring. They fixed it for free and topped off my PS Fluid. Thanks everyone for the input