And as a counter to Koichi's experience, my own Bimmers, which now includes a nine year old 325i, and previously included a twelve year old 325i, never required topping off brake fluid. --wilt In a message dated 11/22/2010 8:32:37 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, nikonf3tmd4@xxxxxxx writes: Just as a reference, I replenish about an ounce of steering fluid (actually Dexron III or IV ATF) every few months on my Bimmer. Koichi Yasutani - a.k.a. Steve + MP Lakewood, WA U.S.A. 2010 / 11 / 22 20:31 PST On Nov 22, 2010, at 0624 , Eric Welch wrote: > I don't know. It was just replaced in September. > > On Nov 22, 2010, at 1:26 AM, Koichi Mac wrote: > >> That's how much it costs nowadays? Am afraid your case isn't isolated one. I think replacing the steering system is pretty difficult. It doesn't have much tolerance to make it work right without leaks. How much fluid do you lose a month? >> >> On Nov 21, 2010, at 2208 , Eric Welch wrote: >> >>> The problem is, this rack is only six weeks old. And cost me $900 to replace. >>> >>> On Nov 21, 2010, at 7:22 PM, Koichi Mac wrote: >>> >>>> Power steering is almost always prone for leaks. It uses a tremendous oil pressure to operate. None of vehicles I ever owned didn't leak. Since none are / were too bad, I just keep my eyes on every few months. >>>> >>>> On Nov 21, 2010, at 0715 , Eric Welch wrote: >>>> >>>>> In my car, it's part and parcel of the A Frame. Everything seems to be good now. Except the power steering rack that I replaced about six weeks ago is leaking slightly again. I'll have to keep an eye on it until I can get it in. >>>>> >>>>> On Nov 21, 2010, at 12:05 AM, Koichi Mac wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Do you know if your A-frame is OK? Ball joint is what connects A-frame to chassis frame. >>>>>> >>>>>> On Nov 20, 2010, at 1935 , Eric Welch wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> In my case, the mechanic said the ball joint broke. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Nov 20, 2010, at 6:30 PM, Dave <downsouthdave@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> It's not clear to me whether it's the ball joint or the CV joint; impact with a curb can damage either or both. The ball joint isn't connected directly to the rotating mass however- the CV joint is. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> CVJ should go 200K, but some don't. I'd rather have a rear wheel drive car, but there are so many good cars that are FWD. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Mac is back up, BTW. Doing the updates on the end of a wire instead of Wi-Fi. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> From: Koichi Mac <nikonf3tmd4@xxxxxxx> >>>>>>>> To: Nikon F4 <nikonf4@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> >>>>>>>> Sent: Sat, November 20, 2010 8:43:17 PM >>>>>>>> Subject: [nikonf4] CV Joint >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I was guessing the right side too. Right front wheel tend to run on more rugged part of the road…driver making steep turn on the right than on the left……. The CV joint should last about 200K miles, doesn't it? >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Nov 15, 2010, at 2046 , Dave wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> It takes a lot of miles or impact to break a CV joint and axle. If the cause is wear, they should both be replaced. My guess: it's the right side. It always fails 141 miles before the left one does :-). What kind of car? >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> From: Eric Welch <ericwelch@xxxxxx> >>>>>>>>> To: f4@xxxxxxxxxxx >>>>>>>>> Sent: Mon, November 15, 2010 11:15:56 PM >>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Laguna Hills, north of San Diego >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Nope, employed just fine. But the right ball joint and axel are broken and will be replaced tomorrow. So I'm taking the day off and laze around the house all day, then take the bus to the repair shop to pick it up. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Nov 15, 2010, at 8:12 PM, Robert McLaughlin wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Great! Another unemployed! >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Mon, Nov 15, 2010 at 8:10 PM, Eric Welch <ericwelch@xxxxxx> wrote: >>>>>>>>>> I don't think so. I live on the south border of Camp Pendleton. But I have a non-working car at the moment.