2004 bmw 316i automatic, just checked the power steering level and shocked to see the colour was milky white, and above the level, no air bubbles, can coolant get into the power steering fluid. Thanks

1. Do NOT start the engine until the system is fully bled, doing so may cause damage to the power steering components. Pump internals are metal to metal so any air in the system can cause metal to metal contact and resulting damage.
2. Raise the front wheels off the ground
3. Turn the steering wheel fully to the RIGHT
4. Fill the reservoir to the "full cold" level & leave the cap off. Use only XADO CHF or Honda PSF-S fluid. Do NOT use automatic transmission fluid as transmission fluid does not contain the same friction inhibitors/additives and tends to breakdown and overheat. The use of transmission fluid will VOID the warranty
5. With an assistant checking the fluid level, turn the steering wheel slowly and smoothly lock to lock until the level drops in the reservoir. If the fluid level does not drop no fluid has moved through the system, this indicates an air bubble in the reservoir or pump. Until this bubble passes no fluid will circulate through the system. ? On systems with coolers you may need to cycle in excess of 40 times ? Do NOT turn the steering wheel fast as this will cause the fluid to overflow the reservoir, trapped air may cause the fluid to overflow. Thoroughly clean any spilled fluid so you can check later for any leaks
6. Check the fluid constantly to ensure proper level and that no bubbles exist. ? If you see any signs of bubbles recheck all hose connections then repeat the steps above. ? The fluid level should be steady
7. Disable the engine from starting ? Crank the engine several revolutions, if the fluid level drops there is compressed air trapped in the system, repeat the above steps until the fluid level remains stable. ? If the fluid foams while cranking wait at least 10 minutes or more until dispersed air has time to accumulate and purge through the reservoir.
8. Continue to repeat the steps above until the fluid level remains constant and no air bubbles are visible.
9. Now start the engine and check that the fluid remains at level and stable
10. Reinstall the reservoir cap
11. Return wheels to centre and lower wheels to the ground
12. Run the engine for two minutes and turn steering wheel in both directions
13. Do NOT hold the steering wheel against the stops
14. Verify the following conditions ? The steering is smooth ? Noiseless operation ? Proper fluid level ? No leaks ? Proper fluid condition ? No bubbles, foaming or fluid discolouration
15. If all of the above conditions are satisfied the bleeding procedure is complete
16. If any problem exists then turn off the engine and see special conditions below Special Conditions If you experience any of the conditions listed below then there is still air in the system. ? Foam or bubbles in the fluid ? Power steering fluid should not rise in the reservoir when the engine is turned off, if this occurs there is air trapped in the system ? Be aware of any periodic bubbles that could indicate a loose connection, leaky o-ring or a bad flare seat in either the pressure or return hose ? Discoloured fluid (milky, opaque or light tan colour) If you have any questions regarding this procedure please contact us before you install the replacement power steering pump that you have purchased from us, we will be happy to help you.

Are u using the right juice? CHF 11s

When you change antifreeze an air pocket is created in engine behind thermostat. You must let it run until the thermostat opens. Until then, liquid will boil backfkowing through bottom of radiator.
As for milky look, blown headgasket would cause white foam that if left alone wouldclear up. Otherwise it could be an additive in the fluid such as rust preventative.

check power steering fluid level or for air bubbles in fluid, if low or bubbles found find and correct fluid leak. if fluid is ok most likely the pump is failing. Other possible causes are steering gear or linkage binding but are not very common problems.

Check trans. fluid level while engine is hot and running, Check it twice to be sure that the level is full. The white smoke could be something all together different like a blown head gasket. check to see if water is mixing with the iol by looking at the oil fill cap, if you see bubbles and a whitish milky looking color under the cap.

check the power steering fluid level and there shouldn`t be any air in the system that will show as bubbles or foam in the oil.the oil should be clean and not look like a grey or silver colour.

Very simple!!! I posted this under how to bleed the steering system in the "Tips" section....you can do this yourself and is very easy.

Sebring Coupe And Avenger

1. Check the power steering fluid level, and add if necessary.
   

Use only MOPAR ATF PLUS automatic transmission fluid type 7176, DEXRON II automatic transmission fluid, or equivalent, in the power steering system.

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle to lift the front wheels off the ground.
   
2. Manually turn the pump pulley a few times.
   
3. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and to the right 5 or 6 times.
   

If bleeding is attempted with the engine running, air will be absorbed in the fluid. Bleed only while cranking the engine.

1. Disconnect the ignition high tension cable and, while operating the starter motor intermittently, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and right 5-6 times for 15-20 seconds. During the bleeding procedure, make sure the fluid in the reservoir never falls below the lower position of the filter.
   
2. Connect the ignition high tension cable, then start the engine and allow it to idle.
   
3. Turn the steering wheel left and right until there are no air bubbles in the reservoir. Confirm that the fluid is not milky and that the level is up to the specified position on the dipstick. Also confirm that there is very little change in the fluid level when the steering wheel is turned. If the fluid level changes more than 0.2 inches (about a 1/4 inch), the air has not been completely bled. Repeat the process.
   

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Check whether or not the fluid level changes between when the engine is running and when it is stopped

Also note, in these cars they use AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID for their power steering system, so don't be alarmed at the colour.

Assuming you have power steering, check fluid level in power steering system.
Check that the power steering pump belt has not fallen off.
Tires that are nearly bald can make the steering effort higher.
Do you have wheels that are not made for this car that have the wrong offset?
Check the strut bearings to see if they are frozen. Look under the front fenders while someone else turns the steering wheel. The strut and spring should turn with the wheel. If the top of the spring does not turn, then the strut bearings need to be replaced.

You have a bad head gasket. You are leaking coolant into the engine block through the cylinders. This is why you have white smoke, and the extra coolant that doesnt get burned off is going into your oil.