Checking the steering system (BMW X5 E53)

Steering play

Checking the play (free running) the steering wheel must be carried out by rotating the steering wheel in one direction and the other, while it is necessary to check for the absence of play between the lever (2, Fig. 2.33) steering trapezoid and ball joint (1) of the transverse steering rod - there should be no play. Play on the outer rim of the steering wheel, with the wheels stationary, should be no more than 25 mm.

Power steering

Attention! Do not hold the steering wheel in extreme positions, turned all the way to one side or the other, for more than 5 seconds.

It is necessary to periodically check the fluid level in the power steering system, since the lack of fluid leads to failure of the steering. The reservoir (tank) of the power steering system is located in the engine compartment.

Check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir in the following order: Place the car on a level surface, apply the parking brake and set the wheels to move straight ahead.

• Allow the engine to cool to ambient temperature, unscrew the oil reservoir cap and wipe the level indicator on the cap with a clean rag. Put the cap on the reservoir neck, do not tighten it, and remove it again. The oil level should be between the marks on the indicator. If necessary, add clean oil.
• Start the engine, check the oil level and, if necessary, add oil. With the engine running, move the steering wheel from lock to lock several times. This will bleed the system and remove air from it.
• Turn off the engine and check the level. Remove excess oil with a clean syringe. The permissible level of exceeding the "MAX" mark is no more than 5 mm. Check the sealing ring on the tank cap and, if necessary, replace it. Screw on the tank cap.
• Check all visible connections of the power steering system (Fig. 2.34), hoses, pipes and steering gear for signs of leakage.
• Check the condition of the power steering pump drive belt and steering gear cuff, shafts and rods.

(The original material is located on the website BMWman)