Is it possible to lose the P/S pump and vanos at the same time?

[m3f_BlueAngel M3]

I was racing an infinity today and I had it revved up to 6500 plus rpm's when I lost my P/S. I also noticed the vanos was making crazy noise even at low rpm's. The vanos is only 1 year old and i'm surprised it went out on me already. I have never had a problem like this before. I never lost two mechanical parts at the same time. Your input please. Thanks!

[m3f_Lenny718]

Stop racing Infinity's lol. But in all seriousness anything is possible, I would have it checked out by your mechanic friend (if I remember correctly he is a BMW tech). Wish I could be more help but I'm sure others will chime in.

[m3f_fiveightandten]

A PS pump low on fluid will sound just like VANOS noise. You may have blown a hose off the reservoir due to the cold weather and hard driving. It was 5 degrees out this morning.


Check the PS lines, and the level in the reservoir. Didn't you just do some work on the PS system?

[m3f_BlueAngel M3]

Stop racing Infinity's lol. But in all seriousness anything is possible, I would have it checked out by your mechanic friend (if I remember correctly he is a BMW tech). Wish I could be more help but I'm sure others will chime in.

A PS pump low on fluid will sound just like VANOS noise. You may have blown a hose off the reservoir due to the cold weather and hard driving. It was 5 degrees out this morning.


Check the PS lines, and the level in the reservoir. Didn't you just do some work on the PS system?

Sorry I took so long to respond guys. I was busy trying to figure out the abortion I have and what happened.


Lenny, I'll never race Infinities again, but he went down for the count! 3 times he was whipped! I was surprised I whipped him, but with that victory came a hefty price tag!


Nick, I checked carefully and all hoses were intact & there were no leaks. The reservoir was fine as well.


Yes, I did replace one of the P/S lines just a week ago or less, but everything was fine after that until today.

[m3f_fiveightandten]

Nick, I checked carefully and all hoses were intact & there were no leaks. The reservoir was fine as well.


Yes, I did replace one of the P/S lines just a week ago or less, but everything was fine after that until today.

I'm going to go with Occam's razor and say the PS pump took a dive as a result of being run low on fluid when the hose popped before you repaired it. The damage likely put it on its last leg and the high revving did it in.


Pull the belt off and start the car momentarily. Don't let it run for long, as you won't have the alternator hooked up. If your noise goes away, it's the PS pump. It would be preferable to try and listen more closely to make sure it's coming from the VANOS and not the pump, but if you're having a hard time, pull the belt.

[m3f_BlueAngel M3]

I'm going to go with Occam's razor and say the PS pump took a dive as a result of being run low on fluid when the hose popped before you repaired it. The damage likely put it on its last leg and the high revving did it in.



Pull the belt off and start the car momentarily. Don't let it run for long, as you won't have the alternator hooked up. If your noise goes away, it's the PS pump. It would be preferable to try and listen more closely to make sure it's coming from the VANOS and not the pump, but if you're having a hard time, pull the belt.

I was thinking the same exact thing Nick. I have a strong feeling the pump went when the hose did & it was low on fluid.



Sounds like a clever idea. I will do that tomorrow. Thanks Nick! As usual you always bail me out of my problems. A thousand thanks!

[m3f_BlueAngel M3]

Nick, I also forgot to add that when I rev the engine everything vibrates. I can feel the vibration from the steering, seat and a little from the floor. Ever had or heard anything like that??

[m3f_PurduinaM3]

It's probably your power steering pump..... rule that out before you do any more worrying by doing what Nick suggested...

[m3f_BlueAngel M3]

It's probably your power steering pump..... rule that out before you do any more worrying by doing what Nick suggested...

I will. On my way out to check it out in this damn cold.

[m3f_epj3]

Your vanos didn't go bad, you're mistaking lifter tick for vanos noise. Check your oil level and drive normally for 5 minutes, and it'll go away.

[m3f_BlueAngel M3]

I gotta tell you guys that by far yesterday was the worst day I had with my M3 for 2010. I lost the P/S pump, battery and the window track for the drivers side door bent.