RE: E30 Power Steering Fluid

["Fadeev, Alex" <Alex.Fadeev@xxxxxxx>]

"Gary Asmussen" <GARYA@domain.elided> asks:
> 
> I have recently decided to change the power steering fluid in my 
> 89' 318i and noticed it was very dark coloured and contained a lot
> of what appeared to be a grey sludge. I performed the change by 
> syringing out the old fluid from the reservoir and replacing 
> it with new ATF then moving front wheels back and forth to remove
> any trapped air. My questions are: Why is the fluid still grey?

old contaminated ATF.

> What is the contaminant?

power steering pump lubricants/shavings/crap, probably something else. Does
it matter? ;-)

> Is there anotherm (more effective) way of "purging the system of
> old fluid?

Yes. You left all of the old ATF below the reservoir intact (lines to/from
as well as fluid in the power steering pump). 
You can drain a more old ATF by disconnecting the line at the pump.
Also consider replacing the old fluid reservoir which also houses a filter.
A new ATF reservoir will run you around $15 at the dealer.
  
have fun,
alex f

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