Power Steering Pump — Removal and Installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Note: You will need new sealing washers for the hydraulic hose fittings during installation.

Removal

1. Chock the rear wheels and apply the parking brake. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it (see "Raising and Supporting the Vehicle"). Remove the screws and the engine sump guard.

2. Loosen the belt tension (see chapter 1) and remove the belt from the power steering pump pulley. Note that on 4-cylinder models, the pump pulley mounting bolts must be loosened before removing the belt.

3. On models with a 4-cylinder engine, unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the pump pulley, noting its location.

4. On all models, pinch the hoses near the hydraulic reservoir. This will prevent fluid leakage during operation.

5. Mark the position of the pipes on the pump (to facilitate subsequent assembly), then unscrew the bolts of the pressure and return line fittings. Remove the sealing washers. Prepare for fluid leakage. Place a container under the hoses. Plug the ends of the hoses and the holes in the pump to prevent fluid leakage and dirt from getting into the hydraulic system.

6. On models with the 4-cylinder N42 engine, remove the two bolts securing the power steering pump to the water pump. Remove the four bolts securing the power steering pump to the cylinder block and remove the pump (fig. 22.6, a, b).





7. On all other models, unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the power steering pump (Fig. 22.7).





8. If the pump is faulty, contact your BMW dealer for spare parts. If spare parts are available, you can have a specialist repair it or purchase a repaired unit. If spare parts are not available, replace the pump.

Installation

9. If necessary, move the bracket from the old pump to the new one and securely tighten the mounting bolts.

10. Before installation, fill the pump with liquid through the opening of the supply pipe and turn the pump shaft by hand.

11. Reinstall the pump, insert the bolts and tighten them to the specified torque. On models with a 4-cylinder N42 engine, make sure that the pump shaft lugs engage with the water pump (fig. 22.11), then screw in the two bolts connecting the pumps and tighten them to the required torque.



12. Place new sealing washers on the union bolts on both sides and connect the pipes to the pump. Tighten the union bolts to the specified torque.



13. Remove the clamps from the hoses and install the pump pulley (if it was removed). Make sure the pulley is installed correctly and tighten its mounting bolts securely.

14. Install the accessory drive belt (see chapter 1).

15. Once installation is complete, lower the vehicle to the ground and bleed the hydraulic system (see paragraph 23).