Maintenance work on the steering gear (BMW 3 Series E30)

Checking the seals of the steering tip joints and steering rods

Raise the front of the car.

Illuminate the hinge cuffs with a portable lamp and check their integrity, paying attention to traces of grease on the cuffs and around them.

If the cuff is damaged, replace the joint. The dirt that has penetrated will certainly destroy it.

Check the fastening of the hinge nuts, but do not overtighten the nuts. Replace loose nuts.

Checking the steering play

Set the steering wheel to the center position.

Turn the steering wheel in different directions through the open window. A play of 25 mm, measured along the steering wheel, is allowed.

If the play in the steering wheel is large, check the steering rods, steering gear and the play in the front wheel bearings.

Pull the steering rods hard in different directions with your hand. There should be no play in the ball joints, otherwise replace the ball joints or steering tips.

Checking the power steering oil level

The power steering fluid level should be checked every 20,000 km.

The oil level can be checked both with cold and warm oil. The operating temperature of the oil is about 80°C, the temperature of cold oil corresponds to the ambient temperature.

With the engine off, unscrew the expansion tank cap.



With the cap on, the oil level should be between the marks on the dipstick. ATF is added (Automatic-Transmission Fluid) with the designation Dexron or Dexron II. It is necessary to add new oil, as even a small contamination can cause a malfunction of the hydraulic system.



The total capacity of the filling is about 1 liter.

Start the engine and add oil until the level is between the marks on the dipstick.

Stop the engine. The oil level should then rise 5 mm above the upper mark. Check the sealing ring for cracks and damage.

Close the expansion tank.

After adding oil, start the engine and, while the engine is running, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times, thereby removing air from the system.

Tightening the steering mounting bolts

Tightening of the steering mounting bolts to the specified tightening torques is performed every 20,000 km.

Raise the car.

Tightening torque of the steering mechanism mounting bolts to the front axle beam of the frame: 40-50 Nm.

Tightening torque of the steering knuckle to the steering gear: not less than 140 Nm.

Locknuts and self-locking nuts of steering rod joints: 35 Nm.

Tie rod to tie rod end: 60 Nm.

Tie rod tie rod bolts: M10 - 45 Nm; M12 - 85 nm.

Crosspiece or joint disc to steering gear: 22 Nm.

(The original entry can be found on the portal: BMWMAN.ru)