Leaking power steering help. New owner.

[arbr0972]

Hi friends,

Just purchased a 2012 x5 35i with 140k miles for a killer deal. I bought it with the known problem of the steering fluid leak and am hoping I can fix it myself if it is not too involved. Im mechanically inclined and have most tools for most things auto related, Im trying to locate the leak right now, but really am not sure if I should just go straight to a mechanic. That said, am I doing any damage if I drive without the power steering? Certainly not taking it for joy rides, but being able to drive to the mechanic would be great. I already had to drive it home about 20 miles without power steering. Would be great to have some transportation.

[jbash87]

Driving without any power steering fluid can damage the pump. If you HAD to drive it and threw some fluid in there how quickly would it all leak out again? Did the PO already run it for a while dry?

[arbr0972]

PO stopped driving it as soon as the power steering went out. so im told. I drove 15-20 miles home, mostyl straight highway, with roads covered in snow so hopefully that lessened the stress on the system... I put a 1.25L in yesterday and it all ran out within a few minutes of driving. I think I found the leak though. It seems the power steering hose became pinched between the frame rail and the control arm (??) and is dumping fluid out there. I feel like I could do that... cant find any service manuals online. Attached image below for reference.

[arbr0972]

Any help with the stepwise procedure to remove and replace this hose would be immensely helpful... google searches have not yet been fruitful.

[JellyStyle]

Originally Posted by arbr0972

Any help with the stepwise procedure to remove and replace this hose would be immensely helpful... google searches have not yet been fruitful.

you just need to replace the line in question, so any instructions would be to merely remove anything out of the way to get to both ends. that's why you wont find much, its a pretty much get to it problem...

find the part in question here:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=32_1956

go to ebay with the part number or check https://www.genuinebmwminiparts.com/ (they are lowest in the USA)