General information about steering (BMW 5 Series E28)

It uses a hydraulic power steering system with recirculating balls, which controls the front wheels through a steering linkage consisting of a steering arm, a pendulum arm, a center tie rod, a pair of inner tie rods and two tie rod ends.

When power steering is engaged, pressure from an engine-driven pump directs fluid to the rack and pinion or recirculating ball steering gear - improving handling and reducing the effort required to steer the vehicle.

The steering system does not require any special maintenance, except for checking the fluid level and, if necessary, adding it to the power steering mechanism, as well as checking the tension of the drive belt (where it is present, see Chapter Routine car maintenance). However, after a long period of use of the vehicle, the joints of the tie rod ends, the universal joints at both ends of the steering column shaft, and the flexible coupling between the steering column and the steering column shaft wear out and begin to play, which leads to deterioration in vehicle controllability. In this case, the above-mentioned parts should be replaced; they cannot be repaired.

Before working on the steering system, always check the tires (see section General information about wheels and tires) and tire pressure (see chapter Routine car maintenance). Also check the bearings in the upper strut mounts (see section Removal and installation the front suspension strut assembly), front hub bearings (see section Removal and installation the front hub and bearing assembly) and other suspension parts that can also affect the vehicle's handling.