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Home >> BMW >> 2013 >> Z4 28i, Automatic Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1346 (Maintenance And General Information - Repair (N54) -- Z4_E89) >> General Service And Maintenance >> 00 00... Steering components: Check for play, damage, tightness >> Notes

00 00... Steering components: Check for play, damage, tightness: Notes

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Checking play: 

  1. Check the tie rod backlash only in loaded condition or in the design position.
  2. Checking with front axle raised:
    • To evaluate the play of the steering gear, it is necessary to pressurize the steering gear via its servo system!
    • The combustion engine must be running during hydraulically or electrically assisted steering for this purpose
Fig 1: Checking Tie Rod Backlash
G10138673Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Steering wheel: 

Move steering wheel back and forth and check for play.

Track rod joint: 

There must be no play between the track rod joint (1) and track-rod arm (2).

Check for damage: 

Check gaiter, axle and gaiter for damage (e.g. cracks, holes) and leaks.

Check gaiter for missing tensioning straps.

Check for tightness (only for hydraulically supported steering): 

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

The following image shows the principal arrangement of the hydraulic steering components and lines.

Fig 2: Identifying Power Steering Components
G04792689Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.