Power steering reservoir cap seal replacement, BMW

BMW power steering reservoir cap seal:

All rubber seals will eventually dry out, crack and then leak.  Rubber found under the hood of your car is especially prone to cracking due to the extreme heat emitted by the engine.  The heat cycling of the rubber from cold to hot to cold expands and contracts the rubber in addition to drying it out.  Furthermore, the chemicals in contact with the rubber will also lead to a quicker malfunctioning of the seal as well as oxidation with the air.

The power steering reservoir cap has a rubber ring on the inside that will eventually fail and leak fluid.  Luckily, the reservoir is easily visible when the engine bay is open.  A quick inspection of the reservoir tank will let you know if you have a broken seal.  The reservoir tank will be wet with power steering fluid, if this is the case you need to change the power steering cap seal.

A visual inspection of the seal may lead you to believe the seal is fine, but in reality, it is hardened and lost all of its sealing properties.  For the small cost of the seal, replace it.  You will be glad you did and it will pay for itself over time with the amount of power steering fluid lost through the leaky seal.

How to replace:

The easiest way is to take a sharp razor blade and cut the old ring.  Another method is to take a pick tool and lift the seal off the cap.  Once removed, take the new seal and coat the seal with power steering fluid.  Do not dip the seal in the reservoir and make a mess.  Dip your finger tips in power steering fluid and lightly coat the seal.  The purpose is to ensure a proper seal is maintained and also prevent premature drying of the rubber.  Similar practice should be used when replacing any rubber seal such as valve cover gaskets.  Just make sure to use oil instead of power steering fluid.  Always use the same fluid the rubber is in contact with.

What is the BMW part number?

32411128333

How much does it cost?

$1 - $10 depending on brand.

What BMW models will it fit?

• 1' E81   (02/2006 — 12/2011)
• ' E87   (02/2003 — 02/2007)
• ' E87 LCI   (01/2006 — 06/2011)
• ' E88   (11/2006 — 10/2013)
• ' E82   (11/2006 — 10/2013)
• ' E30   (12/1981 — 02/1994)
• ' E36   (11/1989 — 08/2000)
• ' E46   (04/1997 — 08/2006)
• ' E90   (02/2004 — 09/2008)
• ' E90 LCI   (07/2007 — 02/2012)
• ' E91   (02/2004 — 08/2008)
• ' E91 LCI   (07/2007 — 05/2012)
• ' E92   (05/2005 — 02/2010)
• ' E92 LCI   (11/2008 — 06/2013)
• ' E93   (09/2005 — 02/2010)
• ' E93 LCI   (11/2008 — 10/2013)
• ' E28   (06/1980 — 01/1989)
• ' E34   (03/1987 — 12/1996)
• ' E39   (02/1995 — 12/2003)
• ' E60   (12/2001 — 12/2009)
• ' E60 LCI   (10/2005 — 09/2010)
• ' E61   (10/2002 — 02/2007)
• ' E61 LCI   (11/2005 — 05/2010)
• ' E24   (10/1975 — 04/1989)
• ' E63   (05/2002 — 07/2010)
• ' E63 LCI   (04/2006 — 07/2010)
• ' E64   (09/2002 — 07/2010)
• ' E64 LCI   (04/2006 — 07/2010)
• ' E32   (10/1985 — 04/1994)
• ' E38   (07/1993 — 07/2001)
• ' E65   (03/2000 — 07/2008)
• ' E66   (06/2000 — 07/2008)
• ' E67   (10/2002 — 06/2008)
• X1 E84   (09/2008 — 11/2015)
• X3 E83   (01/2003 — 07/2006)
• X3 E83 LCI   (03/2006 — 08/2010)
• X5 E53   (10/1998 — 09/2006)
• Z1 Roadster   (07/1988 — 06/1991)
• Z3 E36   (12/1994 — 06/2002)
• Z4 E85   (11/2004 — 08/2008)
• Z4 E86   (10/2005 — 08/2008)
• Z8 E52   (12/1998 — 07/2003)

Where can I learn how to fix more BMW fluid leak problems?

To fix other common fluid leaks, make sure to check out our valve cover oil filler cap seal replacement guide HERE.