BMW 330i 325i E46 Power Steering Pump Replacement DIY

I had a vibration that I wasn't able to pinpoint but I also had some pulley noise which I traced back to the power steering pump. So I went ahead and switch it out with a used unit that I pulled from a junkyard. That solved the noise.

The pump I had already was the LF-30, which is the later model pump. The earlier pump was the LF-20 and that had a shaft that would shear off and make the pump fail, so it's definitely a good idea to replace those with the LF-30. The two pumps have different pressure lines so you will have to change that as well.

The BMW part number for the updated LF-30 pressure line is: 32416764725

This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[RayzerChick]

Dear 50s Kid,
I realize you have a disclaimer that says your videos are for entertainment only but I thought you should know that I am very greatful to you. I’m a single mom with a very tight budget (as in ramen daily) type of budget. I have a 2003 BMW 325i which’s getting old just like me and if (sadly) regularly has something go wrong with it. Just last night I drove out to pick up my son and my power steering pump died. Car started shaking when turning the steering wheel, no power steering and I freaked! I watched several videos trying to determine the cause and once I decided it was the pump, I watched this video on its replacement. This morning we walked to the store, picked up the pump, fluid and clamp. A few hours and a terribly sore back later, my car is fixed. Just so you know, this is not the first time your videos have saved my car. 😁😁😁😁😁

[chriskennedy]

3 years later and your vids are still helping people out, thanks for filming and posting, big high from down under 👍

[bouffer]

I’m glad something went wrong. I can’t stand it when people do videos on cars and everything goes as planned. It never goes as planned when I do it

[evanhatch]

Just wanted to make it known that you are one of only 3 channels I trust on diy bmw maintenance. Your videos have kept my e46(s) going for years longer than they would have if left to my own devices. Thank you so much.

[sadiel]

16:00 VERY IMPORTANT WARNING! make sure the pulley bolts are tight. i replaced the powersteering pump last summer, and mines just flew off last night and the bolts fell off, so please everybody make sure the bolts are secure and if necessary after a few months come back and check the bolts just in case they dont fly off, i learned this the hard way, i posting this so you dont have to go through this and be stranded in the middle of the road.

[dylanesslinger]

Gotta say your the only person I trust the most when it comes to these videos about our car

[dustincercado]

Thanks for sharing! Helped me a lot replacing my 03 330i with the LUK-20 pump. Hope we see you sharing your knowledge again soon!

[cptbly]

this is a solid tutorial. i have the infamous fl-20 and the rod sure did shear, 30 minutes from my house. i ended up pulling the sheared rod out and bypassed it with a shorter belt. i bought a bunch of stuff, including an lf-30, to redo most of the system but i will add that return hose to my list. we will see just how bad 20 years have been to it. most hoses in that car i replaced with fcp euro oe spec ones so its good pretty much for life. but all the stress i have been holding onto abt doing this really went away watching this video

[UlisesInThisB]

You’re literally the 🐐 when it comes to the E46

[paul]

Just did this today. I have the LF 20 but the shaft wasn’t broken. I replaced all the hoses and the reservoir as well. I live your videos. Makes it almost idiot proof!

[chrismartin_]

My steering suddenly failed, the LF 20 pump shaft had snapped. This video was a great help, thank you very much.

[randyfleet]

I have a suggestion for all you DIYers out there. We all have a tendency to loosen bolts then take them the rest of the way out with your nose pickers. Use one of those battery tools to do this and save you finger tips. When you reach your seventies you will still have feeling in the tips!

[d.b.]

Love the real world struggle on the pulley when trying to save a step. Again thanks for the videos

[drhtrd]

Nice job! Appreciate the explanation on the difference between the LF20 & LF30 pumps and hoses.

[aliiqnies]

Thank you very much
You don’t know how much you helped me, i just replaced my PS pump with a new LF20 and the car is working perfectly fine
Keep it up

[joebolton]

You are the man, seriously all the camera angles are great and you explain everything really well. Thanks 50’s kid

[MrDjillest]

Hey man I just want to say thank you for this video from a guy that never touches his car or does any mechanical s*** to his car I did exactly what you said on this video and my car is perfect. Thank you very much

[ozprimo]

Such a great help. Must admit I was more confident before I watched. A lot of tight spaces there and I've just added an impact driver to the must have tool list! Anyway, thanks man!

[bosshoss]

Great video. I just recently bought an 04 m3 and need to replace the steering pump. First time BMW owner wish me luck.

[MacPS]

Any manufacturer recommendations for the LF-30 pump other than LUK, since it's out of stock? I see a range of prices.