00 00... Steering Components: Checking For Zero Clearance, Leaks, Damage And Wear

Checking play: 

• For hydraulically assisted steering systems, the engine must be running
• For electrically assisted steering systems, the ignition must be on
• Steering wheel:

  Move steering wheel back and forth and check for play

• Tie rod joint:

  There must no clearance between tie rod arm (2) and tie rod joint (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Tie Rod Arm And Tie Rod Joint

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking for leaks: 

The following illustration shows the arrangement of the power steering components and lines.

Fig 2: Identifying Power Steering Components Arrangement

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check all visible connections, hoses, lines and steering gear for traces of fluid.

Checking for damage and wear: 

Check gaiters, flexible disc and axle and tie rod sleeves for damage (e.g. cracks, holes), for leaks or missing clamping bands on gaiters.