Checking the operation of steering systems (BMW X5 E53)

Checking the operation of the power steering pump

Attention! All work must be carried out in exceptional cleanliness to prevent contamination from entering the system.

To check the operability of the power steering pump, use the device "32.4.000" with a whole set of transition elements, depending on the design of the pipeline fastening. Do not confuse the connection points of the pipelines on the device "32.4.000" (Fig. 12.2) - the power steering pump of the steering mechanism (A) and the steering mechanism (B).

Connecting element of the pressure hose to the pump with a hollow bolt M14x1.5.

Screw the "32.4.004" tool (Fig. 12.2) with a hollow bolt (1) M14x1.5 and two sealing rings to the "32.4.000" tool with a torque of 35 N·m (3.5 kgf·m). Screw the "32.4.011" tool to the pump and connect the "32.4.004" tool. Screw the "32.4.006" or "32.4.012" tool to the "32.4.000" tool. Connect the pressure pipeline (hose) with a hollow bolt (M14x1.5) and two sealing rings to the steering gear.



Connecting element of the pressure hose to the pump with a hollow bolt M16x1.5.

Screw the "32.4.004" tool with an M14x1.5 hollow bolt and two sealing rings to the "32.4.000" tool with a torque of 35 N·m (3.5 kgf·m). Screw the "32.4.005" tool to the pump and connect the "32.4.004" tool. Screw the "32.4.006" tool to the "32.4.000" tool. Connect the pressure pipeline (hose) with a hollow bolt (M16x1.5) and two sealing rings to the steering gear with a torque of 40 N·m (4.0 kgf·m).



Connecting element of the pressure hose to the pump with a coupling M16x1.5. Screw the device "32.4.004" with a hollow bolt M14x1.5 and two sealing rings with a torque of 35 N·m (3.5 kgf·m) to the device "32.4.000". Screw the device "32.4.004" to the pump. Screw the device "32.4.006" or "32.4.005" to the device "32.4.000" and connect the pressure hose.

Connecting pipelines with quick-acting couplings

Quick release coupling with marking

The quick-acting coupling with the marking (Fig. 12.3) must be dismantled in the following order. Slide the quick-acting coupling (1) along the pipe (4), thereby releasing the compression force from the spring (2). Press the plastic ring (3) into the quick-acting coupling (1) and remove the coupling (1). The quick-acting coupling with the marking must be installed in the following order. The "K" markings on the quick-acting coupling (1) and on the pipe (4) must be on the same axis. Put the quick-acting coupling (1) on the pipe (4) until a distinct click is heard. To check the reliability of the coupling installation, pull the coupling (1) back with force.

Quick coupling with indicator pins

Dismantling of the quick-acting coupling with indicator pins (Fig. 12.4) must be carried out in the following order: Press the plastic ring (2) into the quick-acting coupling (1) and remove the coupling (1).





The installation of the quick-acting coupling with pins must be carried out in the following order. Place the quick-acting coupling (1) on the connector (3) so that the two indicator pins (4) on the outer diameter of the housing (clearly visible and tangible) showed (protruded) outward. To check the correct installation of the quick-acting coupling (1), feel the indicator pins (4); if installed correctly, they should not be recessed into the housing.

Caution! If the indicator pins (4) do not protrude from the housing, the connection is not properly secured. Leakage is inevitable.

Checking the operation of the power steering pump

The operation of the power steering pump must be checked in the following order. Prepare the "32.4.000" device and check all pipelines, the pump and the steering mechanism for leaks. Using a clean syringe, pump out the working fluid from the feed tank and send it for disposal.

Disconnect the pressure line from the pump and connect the device. Restore the working fluid level. To check the power steering pump pressure, do the following:

• close the tap (A, Fig. 12.5);
• open the tap (B);
• start the engine;
• adjust the fluid level in the power steering reservoir;
• heat the liquid to a temperature of 50°C by turning the steering wheel at high engine speeds;
• close the tap (B) for a maximum of 10 seconds, read the pressure reading, which should be 120–130 bar (kgf/cm²).

Stop the engine. If the pump pressure is more than 10% higher (132–143 bar), replace the power steering pump. If the pump pressure is more than 10% lower (108–117 bar), check the V-belt tension. If the V-belt tension is normal, replace the power steering pump.



To check the power steering, you need to:

• open the tap (B);
• close the tap (A);
• start the engine;
• turn the steering wheel all the way to the left with a force of 100 N (10.0 kgf) and, holding it in this position with a dynamometer for 5 seconds, take the pressure gauge reading.

Release the steering wheel, turn it to the right and repeat the previous measurement. Turn off the engine. If the recorded pressure value is lower than the pump pressure measured before, the steering gear must be replaced.

Pump out the working fluid and send it for disposal. Remove the device and restore the power steering circuit. Replace the sealing rings, connect the pipes and tighten the hollow bolts M14x1.5 to 35 N·m (3.5 kgf·m), and the bolts M16x1.5 to 40 N·m (4.0 kgf·m). Restore the working fluid level, bleed the system and check it for leaks.