Steering - Repair BMW M3 E46

DESCRIPTION

These vehicles are equipped with power assisted rack and pinion steering.

These vehicles may be equipped with quick-release couplings on hydraulic lines. For use of these lines see HYDRAULIC LINE WITH QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

CAPACITY

Fluid capacity is 1 qt. (1L).

FLUID TYPE

Note. The mixing of CHF, LHM, and ATF is not permitted.

Regular oil changing is not necessary. However, it is recommended to replace the oil after completion of repairs.

Use Dexron-III ATF type fluid. Areas with very low outside temperatures (e.g. Canada) are filled at the factory with Pentosin CHF 11S. These cars are marked with a pertinent label located close to the oil tank. In case of brief hydraulic noise after starting at low outside temperatures, replace the red ATF with green CHF or LHM oil in Shell LHM, Castrol LHM or Exxon LHM.

BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM

1. Turn off engine and fill oil tank until level reaches "MAX" mark on dipstick.
2. Start engine. Turn steering wheel twice each as far as left and right lock.
3. Turn off engine and top off hydraulic fluid again to "MAX".

BELT ADJUSTMENT

Note. Vehicles are equipped with automatic belt tensioner. No adjustment is required.

CHECKING FOR DAMAGE & WEAR

Check steering sleeves, flexible disk and axle and tie rod sleeves for damage (e.g. cracks, holes), for leaks or missing clamping bands on gaiters.

CHECKING FOR LEAKS

Check all visible connections, hoses, lines and steering gear for traces of fluid.

CHECKING FUNCTION OF POWER STEERING VANE PUMP

Check all hose connections, pump and steering gear for leaks. Remove engine underguard. See 51 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE FRONT BUMPER (FROM 10/01) . Detach pressure line from pump and connect special tool (32 4 000). See USING SPECIAL TOOL (32 4 000) .

Checking Pump Pressure

1. Close valve (A) and open valve (B). (Scheme 1)
2. Start engine. Ensure correct hydraulic fluid level in tank.
3. Heat hydraulic fluid to approximately 122° F (50° C) by moving steering wheel at increased engine speed.
4. Close valve (B) for a maximum 10 seconds and read off pressure. If pressure exceeds 1595 psi (110-120 bar) by more than 10 percent replace vane pump. If pressure is 10 percent less than 1595 psi 1595 psi (110-120 bar), check ribbed V-belt tension. If tension is OK, replace vane pump.
5. Connect pressure line after removing special tool. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
6. Bleed hydraulic system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.

Scheme 1

Checking Power Steering (4WD)

1. Open valve (B).
2. Close valve (A).
3. Start engine.
4. Pull steering wheel with special tool (64 1 100) at 22.5 Lbs. (100 N) for approximately 5 seconds against left lock and read off pressure. (Scheme 2)
5. Measure at right limit position.
6. Replace steering gear if the pressures are below the previously determined pump pressure.
7. Remove special tool (32 4 000) and connect pressure line. Tighten lines to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
8. Bleed hydraulic system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.

Scheme 2

USING SPECIAL TOOL (32 4 000)

Note. Depending on the pressure hose connection on the pump, the special tool (32 4 000) must be assembled. (Scheme 3)

Pressure Hose Connection To Pump With 14 x 1.5 mm Banjo Bolt

1. Screw special tool (32 4 004) with 14 x 1.5 mm banjo bolt (1) and 2 sealing rings to special tool (32 4 000). (Scheme 4)
2. Screw special tool (32 4 011) onto pump and connect special tool (32 4 004).
3. Screw special tools (32 4 006/012) onto special tool (32 4 000) and connect pressure hose with 14 x 1.5 mm banjo bolts and 2 sealing rings.

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Pressure Hose Connection To Pump With 16 x 1.5 mm Banjo Bolt

1. Screw special tool (32 4 004) with 14 x 1.5 mm banjo bolt (1) and 2 sealing rings to special tool (32 4 000). (Scheme 5)
2. Screw special tool (32 4 005) onto pump and connect special tool (32 4 004).
3. Screw special tools (32 4 006) onto special tool (32 4 000) and connect pressure hose with 16 x 1.5 mm banjo bolts and 2 sealing rings.

Scheme 5

Pressure Hose Connection To Pump With 16 x 1.5 mm Union Screw

1. Screw special tool (32 4 004) with 14 x 1.5 mm banjo bolt (1) and 2 sealing rings to special tool (32 4 000). (Scheme 6)
2. Connect special tool (32 4 004) to pump.
3. Screw special tools (32 4 006/005) onto special tool (32 4 000) and connect pressure hose.

Scheme 6

Removal & Installation of Quick-Release Coupling with ID Marking

1. Push quick-release coupling (1) against pipe (4) thereby relieving strain on spring (2). Press plastic ring (3) into quick-release coupling (1) and remove coupling (1). (Scheme 7)
2. To install, markings (K) on coupling and pipe (4) must be flush. Push quick-release coupling (1) onto pipe (4) until a "click" can be heard. To check that quick-release coupling has been installed correctly, pull it back forcefully.

Scheme 7

Removal & Installation of Quick-Release Coupling with Indication Pins

1. Press plastic ring (2) into quick-release coupling (1) and remove coupling (1). (Scheme 8)
2. To install, push quick-release coupling (1) onto connector (3) until both indication pins (4) can be seen and felt to point outwards at outside diameter of housing. To check that quick-release coupling (1) has been correctly fitted, feel indication pins (4) at outside diameter of housing. When correctly seated, indication pins (4) cannot be pressed into housing.

Scheme 8

POWER STEERING OIL COOLER/COOLING COIL

Note. Observe all waste disposal regulations.

Removal & Installation

1. Draw hydraulic fluid out of container and do not re-use.
2. Remove radiator. See «17 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RADIATOR (M52TU, M54, M56)»(ref-203168-S42023112772005103000000).
3. Disconnect quick release couplings on hydraulic lines. See «HYDRAULIC LINE WITH QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair).
4. Remove cooling coil. (Scheme 9)
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Bleed power steering system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.

Scheme 9

POWER STEERING GEAR

Removal (Non 4WD)

Note. Observe all waste disposal regulations.

1. Draw hydraulic fluid out of tank and do not re-use.
2. If necessary, remove front wheels. See «36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL»(ref-215216-S06259551642006011000000)
3. Unscrew and remove splash guard. See «51 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE FRONT BUMPER (FROM 10/01)»(ref-203174-S35798842812005103000000)
4. If replacing power steering gear, determine measurement (A) on left and right to make wheel alignment easier. Grip steering tie rod and release clamping nut. Screw off tie rod by turning tie rod. (Scheme 11)
5. If not replacing power steering gear, release nut and remove tie rod on left and right with special tool (32 3 090). (Scheme 12)
6. Release banjo bolts. (Scheme 13)
7. Remove clamping screw and force disk joint off steering gear.
8. Unscrew bolts and take off steering gear in forward direction. (Scheme 14)

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

Installation (Non 4WD)

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace self-locking nuts. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
2. Ensure that steering wheel and steering gear are in straight ahead setting. Markings on cap (1) and on housing (2) must be aligned. (Scheme 10) Replace clamping screw and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
3. Replace sealing rings. Ensure freedom of movement of lines to fixed body parts. Otherwise, noise will occur. Tighten banjo bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
4. Install tie rod. If replacing power steering gear, mount clamping ring (1). Screw tie rod into tie rod end up to measurement (A). Replace self-locking nuts. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
5. Bleed power steering system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.
6. If steering gear was replaced, adjust front axle after assembly. See «SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures) article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

Removal (4WD)

1. Remove front wheels. See «36 10 300 REMOVING OR INSTALLING FRONT OR REAR WHEEL»(ref-215216-S06259551642006011000000)
2. Remove all underbody protection panels. See «51 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE FRONT BUMPER (FROM 10/01)»(ref-203174-S35798842812005103000000) Remove acoustic insulation from engine carrier. See «51 48... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SOUND INSULATION IN FRONT DOOR, LEFT OR RIGHT»(ref-203174-S27861150542005103000000)
3. If replacing power steering gear, determine measurement (A) on left and right to make wheel alignment easier. Grip steering tie rod and release clamping nut. Screw off tie rod by turning tie rod. (Scheme 11)
4. If not replacing power steering gear, release nut and remove tie rod on left and right with special tool (32 3 090). (Scheme 12)
5. Remove clamping screw and force disk joint off steering gear.
6. Brace front axle support with workshop hoist. Detach front axle support from engine carrier and lower approximately.8" (20 mm). Release screws and remove steering gear. (Scheme 15)

Scheme 15

Installation (4WD)

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace self-locking nuts. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
2. Ensure that steering wheel and steering gear are in straight ahead setting. Markings on cap (1) and on housing (2) must be aligned. (Scheme 10) Replace clamping screw and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
3. Replace sealing rings. Ensure freedom of movement of lines to fixed body parts. Otherwise, noise will occur. Tighten banjo bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
4. Install tie rod. If replacing power steering gear, mount clamping ring (1). Screw tie rod into tie rod end up to measurement (A). Replace self-locking nuts. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
5. Bleed power steering system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.
6. If steering gear was replaced, adjust front axle after assembly. See «SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures) article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (M52/M54)

Note. Observe all waste disposal regulations.

1. Draw hydraulic fluid out of tank. Do not re-use.
2. Remove engine underguard. «51 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE FRONT BUMPER (FROM 10/01)»(ref-203174-S35798842812005103000000)
3. Remove drive belt. See «11 28 010 REPLACING ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT (M52 / S52 / M52TU / M54 / M56)»(ref-203164-S32524524552005103000000)
4. Disconnect suction and pressure lines from pump.
5. Unfasten screws and remove pump. (Scheme 16)
6. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten suction and pressure lines to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
7. Fill hydraulic system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.

Scheme 16

STEERING GEAR BELLOWS

1. Unscrew and remove splash guard. See «51 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE FRONT BUMPER (FROM 10/01)»(ref-203174-S35798842812005103000000)
2. Release both clamping bands and detach boot from steering gear. (Scheme 17)
3. Remove steering tie rod from rack. (Scheme 11)
4. Move rack in as far as possible. Cut open boot and remove.
5. To install, fit new boot over tie rod. Screw on tie rod and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
6. Grease steering tie rod at taper. This ensures that the boot does not turn when the tie rod turns.
7. Fit support ring (1) from repair kit. Install boot with clamping bands. (Scheme 18)

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (4WD)

Note. Observe all waste disposal regulations.

Disassembly

1. Draw hydraulic fluid out of tank. Do not reuse.
2. Remove underbody protection at front and middle. See «51 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE FRONT BUMPER (FROM 10/01)»(ref-203174-S35798842812005103000000)
3. Remove drive belt. See «11 28 010 REPLACING ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT (M52 / S52 / M52TU / M54 / M56)»(ref-203164-S32524524552005103000000)
4. Remove cooling air duct for brake on left and right. See «51 45 031 REPLACING INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM»(ref-203174-S08029838722005103000000)
5. Remove stabilizer bar from front axle support. See «REMOVAL & INSTALLATION»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/axle-shafts/#front-axle-repair-e46)
6. Disconnect pressure and suction lines from vane pump.
7. Release screws (1) and remove belt pulley. (Scheme 19)
8. Release screws with washers (2-4) and remove vane pump. (Scheme 19)
9. Release screws (5-6) and remove bracket. (Scheme 19)

Scheme 19

Assembly

1. To assemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Note different length screws. Screw (3) is 8 x 100 mm. (Scheme 19)
2. Ensure lettering on belt pulley points forward.
3. Tighten pressure and suction lines to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__torque-specifications).
4. Fill hydraulic system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/m3/e46-1999-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering-repair__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

See also:
• SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
• REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
• HYDRAULIC LINE WITH QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING
• USING SPECIAL TOOL (32 4 000)
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM
• POWER STEERING GEAR