power steering is really hard to turn

2000 BMW 323
142,000 MILES
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EDDIEDEL
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  • 3 POSTS
i have a 2000 bmw 323i, i made a u-turn earlier and the steering wheel got hard do i need to change my power steering? I was trying to align the car to go straight the steering wheel was hard almost imposible to move. I parked and when i checked under the hood there was a big oil stain on top of the atf cap
Dec 20, 2011 at 7:27 AM
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RASMATAZ
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  • 75,992 POSTS
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Check the power steering pump fluid level-is it still impossible to move the steering wheel
Dec 20, 2011 at 7:35 AM
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EDDIEDEL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
it is not imposible since i had to drive it home but it is really hard it got a little softer but not as it use too
Dec 20, 2011 at 7:55 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 9,606 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Check the pump shaft, the possibility of the pump shaft breaking at the pump (and still stay in place) is likely, slack the belt and pull on the pulley,if it pops out, you need a new pump.
Jan 11, 2012 at 3:44 AM
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