The smaller M14 banjo bolt found in the steering rack of E46 and later BMWs contains a small plastic ball check valve. This valve will jam shut if you have a jolt to the steering system (hard curbing, wreck, wheel to wheel contact, etc), which in turn will stop flow through the pump and will destroy it in short order.
We’ve also seen where high power steering fluid temps can soften and deform the plastic ball, also causing it to become a blockage.
This banjo bolt is a direct replacement for BMW PN: 32416781261 or 32410141423
Includes 2 aluminum crush washers.
Applications: Most E46 and later models that have hydraulic steering.