32 00 610 Adjusting Toe-In And Camber On Front Axle

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 BMW X5, 2005 BMW X5, and 2004 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

32 3 140

IMPORTANT: Changes in axle geometry caused by accidents must under no circumstances be rectified by camber adjustment!

NOTE: Camber and toe-in influence each other. Adjust the toe-in first in order to simplify the adjustment procedure.
The centering pin may only be driven or twisted out if the camber is outside the specified tolerance after toe adjustment.

Adjust toe-in:

If necessary, remove steering gear cover at side.

Fig 1: Adjusting Toe-In And Camber On Front Axle

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Move steering into straight-ahead position by means of markings on cap (1) and steering gear (2).

Align steering wheel and secure with steering wheel arrester.

Clean thread on tie rod.

Slacken clamping nut (1), gripping tie rod end in the process.

Fig 2: Turning Tie Rod

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Turn tie rod (2) to adjust toe-in to specified value.

Tighten down clamping nut (1).

Tightening torque, 32 21 5AZ. Refer to STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

If necessary, correct installation position of gaiter.

Adjusting camber:

Only on right side: If necessary, detach reservoir for windscreen washer unit.

Remove protective cap.

Unscrew centering pin (1) or break off plastic variant. Clean wheel arch from below in area of support bearing with compressed air.

Fig 3: Removing Centering Pin

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Slacken nut (2) approx. 1 to 1.5 turns.

Raise vehicle until wheels are freely suspended.

Fit special tool 32 3 140 and adjust so that the stud bolts of the support bearing on the outside rest in the elongated holes of the spring strut dome.

Fig 4: Installing Special Tool

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Replace nuts (3) and screw on but do not tighten down fully.

IMPORTANT: To be able to adjust the front axle so that it is free from tension, align the rotary plates so that they can move freely in all directions after the vehicle has been lowered.

Lower vehicle and compress.

Turn nut in special tool 32 3 140 to adjust camber to specified value.

Fig 5: Adjusting Camber

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Tighten down nuts (3).

Tightening torque, 31 31 1AZ. Refer to STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Remove special tool 32 3 140.

Replace nut (2) and tighten down.

Fig 6: Replacing Nut

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Tightening torque, 31 31 1AZ. Refer to STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

After installation: Check directional stability of vehicle; if necessary, repeat toe-in adjustment.