00 00... Steering components: Check for play, damage and, if nec., tightness

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Checking play:

NOTE: OBSERVE NOTES ON CHECKING THE STEERING BACKLASH !

Check the tie rod backlash only in loaded condition or in the design position.
Checking with front axle raised:
- To evaluate the play of the steering gear, it is necessary to pressurise the steering gear via its servo system!
- The combustion engine must be running during hydraulically or electrically assisted steering for this purpose
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Track Rod Joint And Arm
  Courtesy 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 Steering Components

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.