BMW X5: Mechanical Steering Gear

INFORMATION ON REPLACING STEERING GEAR AFTER ACCIDENT DAMAGE

Facts:

In the event of accidents or driving conditions similar to accidents, shocklike loads can cause different types of damage to steering gears. When a steering gear is externally undamaged, it is sometimes only possible to identify damage with great difficulty and with great effort. However, damage of this nature poses an unacceptable risk to the vehicle because it can result in failure of the steering system.

Because of the disproportionate amount of effort involved, it is generally not sensible to check thoroughly all the individual components of the steering gear and as an alternative it is necessary to take into account other components which can be checked more easily.

Procedure:

The steering gear must be replaced if one or more of the following points apply:

1. Visible or noticeable damage to the steering gear
2. Unacceptable torque increase and jamming when the steering gear is turned from lock to lock (without hydraulic assistance)
3. Permissible tolerances exceeded during axle/wheel alignment check (if necessary, include alignment record with invoice / report)
4. Fire damage
5. Damage, permanent deformation or fractures to:
   • Wheel rims in the event of a negative result from the wheel/axle alignment check
   • Spring struts, steering knuckles, wheel carriers
   • Control arms
   • Compression or tension struts or stabilizer bars with this function
   • Body-side screwing/bolting points for wheel guide/control components
   • Front axle carrier
   • Pitman arms
   • Tie rods
   • Steering gear fixtures
   • Steering column

This guideline is binding for all accident repairs to BMW and MINI vehicles.

NOTE: If the steering gear replacement work which is required for safety reasons is refused by the customer or an insurance company for cost reasons, a memorandum to that effect must be drawn up and countersigned by the party bearing the costs of the accident repair.

IMPORTANT: The vehicle's type approval will be invalidated whenever the function of any of its safety components is compromised!

REPLACING GAITER FOR STEERING GEAR ON LEFT OR RIGHT

IMPORTANT: The power steering gear must be replaced if the polished surface of the rack is damaged (e.g. by corrosion)!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Remove tie rod end.
• Remove lower steering gear cover.

Clean tie rod.

Release band clamp (1) and ear clip (3).

Detach gaiter (2) from tie rod.

Installation:

Clean rack and check surface for damage (e.g. by corrosion).

Grease rack.

Clean tie rod and apply grease to taper.

NOTE: This ensures that the gaiter is not rotated when the tie rod is rotated.

Fig. 33: Identifying Band Clamp, Gaiter And Ear Clip

After installation:

• Perform CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK.
• Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering.

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