BMW X5: Information On Replacing Steering Gear After Accident Damage

Facts:

In the event of accidents or driving conditions similar to accidents, shocklike loads can cause different types of damage to steering gears. When a steering gear is externally undamaged, it is sometimes only possible to identify damage with great difficulty and with great effort. However, damage of this nature poses an unacceptable risk to the vehicle because it can result in failure of the steering system.

Because of the disproportionate amount of effort involved, it is generally not sensible to check thoroughly all the individual components of the steering gear and as an alternative it is necessary to take into account other components which can be checked more easily.

Procedure:

The steering gear must be replaced if one or more of the following points apply:

1. Visible or noticeable damage to the steering gear
2. Unacceptable torque increase and jamming when the steering gear is turned from lock to lock (without hydraulic assistance)
3. Permissible tolerances exceeded during axle/wheel alignment check (if necessary, include alignment record with invoice / report)
4. Fire damage
5. Damage, permanent deformation or fractures to:
   • Wheel rims in the event of a negative result from the wheel/axle alignment check
   • Spring struts, steering knuckles, wheel carriers
   • Control arms
   • Compression or tension struts or stabilizer bars with this function
   • Body-side screwing/bolting points for wheel guide/control components
   • Front axle carrier
   • Pitman arms
   • Tie rods
   • Steering gear fixtures
   • Steering column

This guideline is binding for all accident repairs to BMW and MINI vehicles.

NOTE: If the steering gear replacement work which is required for safety reasons is refused by the customer or an insurance company for cost reasons, a memorandum to that effect must be drawn up and countersigned by the party bearing the costs of the accident repair.

IMPORTANT: The vehicle's type approval will be invalidated whenever the function of any of its safety components is compromised!

BLEEDING POWER STEERING (VERSION WITH DYNAMIC DRIVE)

WARNING: Danger of poisoning if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin! Risk of injury if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.

Ensure that the cap is fully screwed in prior to the fill level check.

NOTE: To avoid mix-ups when filling with hydraulic fluid, mark the fluid reservoirs or their caps with identification marks.

ATF Automatic transmission fluid

CHF Pentosin CHF11S

Fig. 34: Identifying Reservoir Cap

1. Thoroughly clean fluid reservoir and its immediate surroundings
2. Check and correct fill level

NOTE: The fill level can come to rest above the "MAX" mark when the engine is at normal operating temperature. This is dictated by the design in that the marking on the dipstick is referred to a fluid temperature of 20ºC. With the engine at normal operating temperature (approx. 50-60ºC fluid temperature) adjust a fill height 15 mm above the "MAX" mark. Do not under any circumstances draw off the fluid to the "MAX" mark when the engine is at normal operating temperature.

3. Start engine
4. Turn steering wheel left and right twice in each case up to full lock; if necessary, top up hydraulic fluid (e.g. if hydraulic system is completely drained)
5. Move steering wheel to straight-ahead position and turn off engine
6. Check and correct fill level with engine stopped
7. Check hydraulic system for leaks

After filling:

• If necessary, carry out initial Dynamic Drive operation.

BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT

WARNING: Danger of poisoning if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin! Risk of injury if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.

Ensure that the cap is fully screwed in prior to the fill level check.

NOTE: To avoid mix-ups when filling with hydraulic fluid, mark the fluid reservoirs or their caps with identification marks.

ATF Automatic transmission fluid

CHF Pentosin CHF11S

Fig. 35: Identifying Reservoir Cap

1. Thoroughly clean fluid reservoir and its immediate surroundings
2. Check and correct fill level

NOTE: The fill level can come to rest above the "MAX" mark when the engine is at normal operating temperature. This is dictated by the design in that the marking on the dipstick is referred to a fluid temperature of 20ºC. With the engine at normal operating temperature (approx. 50-60ºC fluid temperature) adjust a fill height 10 mm above the "MAX" mark. Do not under any circumstances draw off the fluid to the "MAX" mark when the engine is at normal operating temperature.

3. Start engine
4. Turn steering wheel left and right twice in each case up to full lock; if necessary, top up hydraulic fluid (e.g. if hydraulic system is completely drained)
5. Move steering wheel to straight-ahead position and turn off engine
6. Check and correct fill level with engine stopped
7. Check hydraulic system for leaks

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