I decided to replace the power steering fluid and filter on my '82 240D this evening. I drained all the fluid out and took the center spring out along with the metal plate that is at the bottom of the reservoir. I expected to find the filter to look similar to the Hengst filter (#E26H). What I found instead was what looked like a spacer similar to a pipe (but porous) that is 2 3/4 in diameter, 1/8 inch thick and approximately 3/4 inch tall. Below this "spacer" was a metal holder with three tabs that fit inside the "spacer" to hold it in place.

Could this "spacer" be the old filter? It looks nothing like the new Hengst filter which has pleated paper just like an air filter to catch dirt.

Anyway, I took this "spacer" out along with the metal holder and placed the Hengst filter, placed the metal plate, the spring on top and then filled it with power steering fluid and ran the engine which turning the steering wheel from side to side. It appeared to operate correctly. Then I put the cover back on.

Any comments on what this "spacer" is would be appreciated. I think it is the old filter design but please correct me if I am wrong.

Congratulations!!!
 

You found the power steering filter.

Mine still has the hard porous ring, because I haven't asked if the filter has been updated to the pleated paper type. Maybe one of these days I'll stumble into a NOS filter.

Mike,

Is it fair to say that the porous type ring filter cannot be reused? I went through my Service Manual CD and could not find anything regarding the power steering filter (solid ring type) and whether it should be cleaned and reused or replaced.

I reused my ring when I replaced the power steering pump last year. Could not locate anything other than the pleated paper, so I reused the old one. I figure as long as it is intact it should be fine.

I am wondering how many other members have converted to the pleated paper type filters? Earlier, had I known that the filter ring was reusable, I would have cleaned it back up and reused it. But then a thought came to me that the paper type filter can catch more trash than the ring type. This is probably why the conversion was made....I'm just guessing. Anyway, so far the power steering is working like it should with no binding or leakage except the front seal which has slowly leaked since I bought the car and I know I will have to replace that front seal some day.