Mechanical Steering box oil type

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Aldo525
Posts: 276
Joined: Mar 24, 2021 3:04 PM
Location: CHILE

Mechanical Steering box oil type

Post by Aldo525 »

My 518i has mechanical steering and in the upper part of the case there is a plug (11 in the image) that I assume is to fill it with oil... but what kind of oil? SAE 80/90???. It was not an option in the US e28 but maybe some e12 or e21 had it??

Thanks

Image
Mike W.
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: California Whine Country

Re: Mechanical Steering box oil type

Post by Mike W. »

Yes, SAE 80-90 is what I've used in other cars. I did actually have a '69, E3 with non power steering, but I changed that right away.

Not sure it's right, but I suspect it is, but I'd use a GL5 hypoid oil, not the GL4 that gets used in manual transmissions. It's thicker and stickier so to speak.
Aldo525
Posts: 276
Joined: Mar 24, 2021 3:04 PM
Location: CHILE

Re: Mechanical Steering box oil type

Post by Aldo525 »

Mike W. wrote: Dec 05, 2022 7:53 PM Yes, SAE 80-90 is what I've used in other cars. I did actually have a '69, E3 with non power steering, but I changed that right away.

Not sure it's right, but I suspect it is, but I'd use a GL5 hypoid oil, not the GL4 that gets used in manual transmissions. It's thicker and stickier so to speak.
Thank you Mike!!. Just refill or some kind of drain before the new oil??...can't see any drain plug
Mike W.
Posts: 26872
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: California Whine Country

Re: Mechanical Steering box oil type

Post by Mike W. »

I don't think there is a drain plug, I'd just refill.
JohnH
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Joined: Jan 24, 2007 9:55 AM
Location: Surrey,UK

Re: Mechanical Steering box oil type

Post by JohnH »

Oil detail, capacity and oil filling level are shown in the E12 handbook.

Image

Its very important to not overfill the steering box.
Aldo525
Posts: 276
Joined: Mar 24, 2021 3:04 PM
Location: CHILE

Re: Mechanical Steering box oil type

Post by Aldo525 »

JohnH wrote: Dec 08, 2022 1:37 AM Oil detail, capacity and oil filling level are shown in the E12 handbook.

Image

Its very important to not overfill the steering box.
Thanks John, it is very valuable information. And as always, the old manuals/handbooks showed more and better information.
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