Power steering fluid reservoir covered in gunk!

[wolvertone]

Morning. New Z3 owner here. First post

Bought a '97 2.8 with 67k on the clock. Included hard top. Very tidy with Denin CAI, throttle body, chip and exhaust.

Anyways, detailing the engine bay, I noticed a lot of gunk around the power steering fluid reservoir. Nothing else is leaking. I removed the cap to clean it and noticed there's a hole in it on the side which seems to be a vent. And the fluid was low.

Is there supposed to be a hose or check valve of some sort? What's the fix or original design? Bentley manual is on the way.

Thanks all

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome Wolvertone!

I can't answer your question, but I'm sure someone who can will be along soon

 

[vintage42]

Loose cap, loose hose clamp, or bad o-ring...
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-Z3-1.9-M44_1.9L/Search/SiteSearch/32_41_1_128_333/ES54447/

 

[zedonist]

I find as the reservoir sits so low it always collects dirt, dust and water, as it blows through the front vents, I just clean it every time I get to it. As long as you have noise from the steering and the steering isn't difficult, then just keep it topped up it is working fine.

 

[vintage42]

The Z3 that I looked at before buying my present car had an oily and dirt-encrusted power steering reservoir, which was one of many reasons I was afraid to buy it. The OP has a reservoir that sounds like that. Leaking oil which attracts dirt. I would check the hoses, the clamps and replace the o-ring.