The rebuilt power steering pump was installed and fluid was filled and the system did not leak any fluid BUT the steering was still a little stiff but consistant. There is a "Flow Control Valve" under the pressure port union (do a search) on the P/S pump that is probably a different "letter" value (ie; flow rate) than what was in your old pump. Take the power steering pump reservoir cap off. Draw out old power steering fluid from the reservoir using the turkey baster, releasing it back into the catch can. Repeat this process until you remove all of the fluid. Turn the steering wheel from lock to unlock and watch power steering fluid fill the reservoir back up. If no leaks are found in the hydro-boost or hoses, do not repair or replace them. 6. Fluid level good: Check tension and condition of drive belt. If the drive belt is loose or damaged, tighten or replace as required and repeat the basic test (Steps 1-2). If pump speed is slow, adjust and repeat basic test. Generally, the power steering fluid reservoir cap of your BMW E46 will indicate which fluid you should use. It will either have an ATF mark or a label showing CHF. BMW has used ATF as the primary power steering fluid in their vehicles for over a decade and any conventional brand or type is acceptable. However, for your E46, BMW recommends. What power steering fluid does. The power steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transmits the power in the power steering system. There is no definite time frame on when to change power steering fluid. The general rule of thumb that states the power steering fluid should be replaced every four years or after running the vehicle for 50,000 It keeps the steering system lubricated and cooled, resulting in better responsiveness from your vehicle’s steering wheel when driving. However, for the fluid to keep your car’s power steering pump, it mustn’t have degraded. Power steering fluid does expire and can go bad. When unopened, this fluid degrades within 3 to 5 years. 1dZO.

old power steering fluid symptoms