32 13 065 Removing And Installing Active Front Steering Hydraulic Steering Gear

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5, 2012 BMW X5, and 2011 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Secure engine in installation position with special tool to prevent it from falling down. See SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (M57T2) , SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N54/N55) , or SECURING ENGINE IN INSTALLATION POSITION (N63) .

WARNING: DANGER OF POISONING if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin!
DANGER OF INJURY if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.
Close off line connections with seal plugs.

IMPORTANT: If the lower section of the steering shaft is separated from the steering gear/steering column, the steering column switch cluster may be damaged when the steering wheel/steering shaft is twisted!

Necessary preliminary work:

Draw off and dispose of hydraulic fluid from oil reservoir
Remove TRACK ROD END ON BOTH SIDES FROM SWIVEL BEARING
Version with Dynamic Drive: Remove BOTH ANTI-ROLL BAR LINKS FROM ANTI-ROLL BAR
Remove lower section of steering shaft from steering box . See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LOWER SECTION OF STEERING SHAFT or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/RENEWING STEERING SPINDLE LOWER SECTION (N63) .
Disconnect plug connection for Eco valve on back of power steering pump

Fig 1: Front Axle Support And Steering Box Mark Position
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: To avoid the need for axle/wheel alignment, mark position of steering box (1) to front axle support (2).

To do so, draw a wide white stripe on the rear bolting points (left and right) and apply a thin black mark (3) to this stripe.

Lower FRONT AXLE SUPPORT

Mark installation positions of pressure and return lines to hydraulic steering gear.

Release banjo bolts (1).

Disconnect pressure line (2) and return line (3) from hydraulic steering gear.

Installation note:

Replace all sealing rings.

Align pressure and return lines by way of marks and tighten down banjo bolts.

Tightening torque: 32 41 5AZ (pressure line).

Tightening torque: 32 41 6AZ (return line).

Fig 2: Pressure Line And Banjo Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nuts and remove screws (1) towards bottom.

Remove hydraulic steering gear with wiring harness sideways between engine and front axle supports.

Installation note:

When installing, make sure that the steering box is re-aligned to the marks applied to the front axle support prior to removal.

Replace screws and nuts.

Tightening torque: 32 00 1AZ .

Fig 3: Hydraulic Steering Gear And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator light must not light up in the process.
Fill and bleed hydraulic system . See BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT or BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE) .
Check line connections for leaks
ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE STEERING
If necessary, carry out DYNAMIC DRIVE START-UP