E38 - coolant and power steering leaks :(
Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW 7 Series
Forum Discription: This forum will deal with any issues on the BMW 7 Series (E23, E32, E38, E65, E66, E67 & E68)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=27666
Printed Date: 15-June-2024 at 23:14
Topic: E38 - coolant and power steering leaks :(
Posted By: e24robin
Subject: E38 - coolant and power steering leaks :(
Date Posted: 25-February-2006 at 19:41
Hi Guys,
I have 2 issues with the vehicle which are causing me problems.
Firstly, the power steering reservoir is leaking from where it joins one of
the downward hoses that appears to lead to a cooling matrix by the
radiator. I understand that this is a reasonably common problem, and
wondered what kind of costs will be involved in fixing it. Can I simply
purchase a new hose, or do I need to replace the whole reservoir?
My second issue is more serious. I have been using coolant since I got the
vehicle, on average about a litre a month. I did a coolant change on the
vehicle about 3 months ago (as it was due), and used proper BMW coolant
50/50 mix etc. All as per TIS instructions. I had been getting "check
coolant level" check control messages very regularly up to that point, and
I hoped that changing the coolant would resolve whatever issue it was.
When the change was completed, I didn't get the alert for about a month,
but then they started again. I checked the level, and was about a litre
down in the expansion tank. I topped it up again, but after about another
month, it was down again, and I got the alert. I was advised on the forum
that it could be trapped air in the system, but I don't think there can be
that much air. The oil is clean, and so is the coolant, so I don't think it's a
head problem. I can smell coolant in the engine compartment after a long
drive, but can't smell it after a short journey. There is also no sign of
coolant on the ground when I park, so I think it's only leaking when the
engine is hot, and is evaporating. I have read on a US forum about a
"valley seal" that can leak on the M62 engine. I can see no sign of any
hoses leaking anywhere within view, so I'm a bit stuck as to what the
problem could be. I don't want to waste time and money on a new
radiator and water pump (etc) if it can be avoided. I just need to find out
the best way of locating my leak. Have any of you guys had
experience of this issue with the M62? I have heard that the E38's cooling
system is it's achilles heal, and I'm beginning to believe that.
Thanks in advance!
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Cars
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1989 BMW 635CSi Highline Motorsport (Misano Red)
Previous Cars
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2001 BMW 330Ci Convertible (Titanium Silver)
2001 BMW 740i (Titanium Silver)
1989 BMW 635CSi Highline Motorsport (Macau Blue)
2000 BMW 330d (Steel Blue)
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