BMW E46 Power Steering Pump Replacement

Does your BMW E46 power steering pump whine when turning at low speeds?  You can try flushing out the power steering fluid but if that doesn't work you'll probably need to replace the pump.  BMW E46 came with two different pumps, LUK LF-20 and LUK LF-30.  LF-30 is more durable then the LF-20 so many people upgrade LF-20 pumps to LF-30.  In order to replace the LF-20 with LF-30 you will need to also replace the high pressure power steering hose that is compatible with LF-30 pumps.  In this article I will show you how to replace the LF-30 pump in a 2002 BMW 325xi.

1.  Jack up the car and remove the under car shield.

2.  Remove the air intake scoop that sits on top of the radiator.

3. Remove the screws for the fan shroud.

4.  Unclip the auxiliary fan connector from the fan shroud and disconnect the AUC sensor.

5.  Using a 32mm wrench and a fan clutch tool unscrew the fan.

6.  Pull out the fan together with the shroud.

7.  Release the belt tension on the A/C compressor belt and remove the belt.

8.  Release the belt tension on the alternator belt, remove the belt and use something like a small screwdriver to keep the belt tensioner pre-tensioned.

9.  Now it is time to unbolt the pump from the engine.  The pump is held on to the engine block with two long bolts at the front and one bolt in the back.  The short bolt in the back is pretty hard to get to so undo it first.

10.  Undo the two front bolts.  Now that the pump is loose you can pull it forward and disconnect the hoses.  Have a drain pan ready.

11.  The space between the engine and the radiator is very limited but it is possible to get the pump out without removing the radiator.  Reinstall everything in the reverse order and don't forget to fill the system with fluid before starting the car.