32 41 009 Checking Function Of Power Steering Vane Pump

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

32 4 000

WARNING: Danger of poisoning if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin!
Risk of injury if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Prior to this check, first check all hose connections, the vane pump and the power steering gear for leaks.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Draw off and dispose of hydraulic fluid from fluid reservoir
Remove front assembly underside protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT ASSEMBLY UNDERSIDE PROTECTION .
Disconnect pressure line from vane pump . See 32 41 033 REMOVING AND INSTALLING POWER STEERING PUMP FOR POWER STEERING GEAR WITH ACTIVE FRONT STEERING (N62TU) or 32 41 037 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING PUMP FOR POWER STEERING GEAR WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE (N62, N62TU) .

Connecting special tool:

Connect special tool 32 4 000 with new sealing rings to vane pump and pressure line.

Connection, vane pump
Connection, power steering gear

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (32 4 000)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking pump pressure:

Close valve (A).
Open valve (B).
Fill and bleed hydraulic system . See 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE) or 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT .
Start engine
Heat hydraulic fluid to approx. 50°C by moving steering wheel at increased engine speed.
Close valve (B) for max. 10 secs. and read off pressure.
Compare measured pressure with specified nominal pressure . See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TECHNICAL DATA .

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (32 4 000)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace vane pump if the nominal pressure is exceeded by more than 10 %. See 32 41 033 REMOVING AND INSTALLING POWER STEERING PUMP FOR POWER STEERING GEAR WITH ACTIVE FRONT STEERING (N62TU) or 32 41 037 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING PUMP FOR POWER STEERING GEAR WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE (N62, N62TU) .

Check belt tension if the nominal pressure is undershot by more than 10 %. Replace vane pump if belt tension is OK. See 32 41 033 REMOVING AND INSTALLING POWER STEERING PUMP FOR POWER STEERING GEAR WITH ACTIVE FRONT STEERING (N62TU) or 32 41 037 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING PUMP FOR POWER STEERING GEAR WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE (N62, N62TU) .

After installation:

Fill and bleed hydraulic system . See 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE) or 32 13 006 BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT .
Check pipe connections for leaks