Steering pump

Hydraulic steering pumps are an issue in BMWs. Over time the seals can degrade due to the constant pressure, heat and exposure to contaminants. The connector seals can easily be replaced, but once the internal ones degrade the entire pump needs to be replaced. The leaks will usually present as a whining noise as low fluid causes air to get into the pump.

Hydraulic power steering systems use a hydraulic steering pump—driven by the vehicle’s engine—to provide assistance to the steering effort. The pump circulates hydraulic fluid under pressure to a cylinder attached to the steering gear. The pressure from the fluid helps the steering wheel movements to move the gear—and thus the wheels.

There will typically be multiple versions of steering pump for each model generation—to adjust for a few different factors, mainly engine types.

The best way to determine fitment compatibility of a steering pump is to match the BMW part numbers from the catalogue. This can be done by decoding your vehicle’s VIN in a BMW EPC (electronic part catalogue.)

If you don’t have access to an EPC, provide our team with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN—and we’ll check our stock for a compatible match.

There is low-interchangeability of steering pumps between models. This is in part due to each model having different handling and comfort characteristics, which therefore demand design differences in the steering pumps.