Pitman Arm
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2002 BMW M5, 2002 BMW 540i, 2001 BMW M5, 2001 BMW 540i, and 2000 BMW M5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
By adjusting the pitman arm, the left and right tie rod are moved into the same ride level setting. This ensures that, as vehicle suspension settles in, the toe on left and right wheels remains identical. This optimizes straight ahead travel on uneven road surfaces.
- Unscrew and remove splash guard.
- Move steering gear into straight ahead setting (marks on spindle and housing). See Fig 1.
- Remove screw (1) on left or right control arm mount. See Fig 2.
- Secure special tool (32 2 140) to side of idler arm on control arm mount. Fit measuring drift firmly against tie rod and secure. Remove special tool (32 2 140) without adjusting measuring drift. See Fig 3.
- Loosen clamping screw (1) and slide pitman arm upwards. Secure special tool (32 2 140) on control arm mount. Slide pitman arm downwards until tie rod abuts with measuring drift. The permitted deviation must be within 1.5 mm. See Fig 4. Tighten clamping screw and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Check gap between pitman arm and steering gear. Gap (A) must be a minimum of .5 mm and a maximum 8.5 mm. See Fig 5.
- Check and adjust front wheel alignment. See SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.