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Home >> BMW >> 2018 >> 340i xDrive Automatic Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 254 (Maintenance And General Information - Repair (F30, 4-CYL RWD)) >> 00 00 Maintenance >> 0000 Steering components: Check for play, damage and, if necessary., tightness

0000 Steering components: Check for play, damage and, if necessary., tightness

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 BMW 330i and 2017 BMW 330i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Checking play: 

NOTE: Observe notes on CHECKING THE STEERING BACKLASH !
  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
G04725315Courtesy 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.

G04792689Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
1 Pump
2 Power steering cooler
3 Return line
4 Steering box
5 Pressure line
6 Hollow bolt
7 Expansion tank
8 Suction hose
{D} Sealing ring