Re: Power Steering/Power Brakes? (archive)

The power steering and power break fluids are NOT the same. If you accidentally pour the break fluid into the power steering reservoir you will ruin the steering pump. I know because I had to spend $80 have the break fluid drained out and flushed from the power steering system. The metal canister is the power steering fluid reservoir and the white plastic reservoir is the master cylinder and that's where you pour the break fluid in.

I am a little confused. On my '86 535i there is a pump
located below the alternator that the manuals I have say
is the power steering pump. They also say I should have
a reservoir on the left side of the engine compartment for
putting fluid. Yet if I follow the hoses from the pump
they go to a metal cylinder by the radiator reservoir that
has a small bolt on top to open. When I open it, and take
out the metal screen on top the cylinder is empty of fluid,
but I see where 2 hoses connect up higher in the cylinder
and go to the brake system. Furthermore, there is no
reservoir for power steering, only for brakes.

Can somebody tell me if my manual is messed up or if the
brakes and power steering use the same fluid on this model
or what the deal is? There also is a screeming noise
coming from the pump (I thought it was the alternator).
This noise is worse when the car is cold and I crank the
steering wheel. Any clues on what is going on? Thanks.

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