Power Rack & Pinion BMW X5 E53

IDENTIFICATION

2000-2002 Chassis & Engine Identification

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 1.3 qts. (1.2L).

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 DISTANCE BETWEEN ENGINE CARRIER AND STEM OF DOUBLE JOINT

1. Unfasten screws. (Scheme 1)
2. Press steering gear on left side in direction of travel to rear and on right side forwards against stop (This is done in reverse sequence on right hand drive vehicles). This ensures the maximum distance between engine carrier and stem of double joint.
3. Replace self-locking nuts and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__torque-specifications).

Scheme 1

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. (Scheme 2)

Scheme 2

CHECKING FOR ZERO CLEARANCE

1. Move steering wheel back and forth and check for zero clearance. (Scheme 3)
2. There must be no clearance between tie rod arm (2) and tie rod joint (1). (Scheme 3)

Scheme 3

CHECKING FUNCTION OF POWER STEERING PUMP

Check all hose connections, pump and steering gear for leaks. Remove engine underguard. 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 4)
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 1740-1886 psi (120-130 bar) by more than 10 percent replace vane pump. If pressure is 10 percent less than 1740-1886 psi (120-130 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/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__torque-specifications).
6. Bleed hydraulic system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.

Scheme 4

Checking Power Steering

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 5)
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/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__torque-specifications).
8. Bleed hydraulic system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.

Scheme 5

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 6)

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 7)
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 6

Scheme 7

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 8)
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 8

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 9)
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 9

EAR CLIPS

Note. The work steps are shown on assorted components. Ear clip must always be replaced.

Removal & Installation

1. Remove ear clip by placing special tool (32 1 260) at right angles to ear and cut ear open. (Scheme 10)
2. The ear clip can be fitted not only axially but also radially after the hook fastener has been opened. (Scheme 11)
3. To install, attach hook fastener and press ear together with special tool (32 1 260). (Scheme 12)
4. Side cutter of special tool (32 1 260) can be used in areas which are difficult to access. (Scheme 13)
5. Ensure that gap (A) is no more than.04" (1 mm). (Scheme 14)

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

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 15)
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 15

Removal & Installation of Quick-Release Coupling with Indication Pins

1. Press plastic ring (2) into quick-release coupling (1) and remove coupling (1). (Scheme 16)
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 16

POWER STEERING COOLING LOOP

Note. Observe all waste disposal regulations.

1. Draw hydraulic fluid out of container and do not re-use.
2. Disconnect quick release couplings on hydraulic lines. See «HYDRAULIC LINE WITH QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion).
3. Remove radiator.
4. Remove cooling coil. (Scheme 17)
5. To install, reverse removal procedure. Bleed power steering system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.

Scheme 17

POWER STEERING GEAR

Note. Observe all waste disposal regulations.

Removal

1. Draw hydraulic fluid out of tank and do not reuse.
2. Remove front wheels.
3. Remove engine underguard and, if necessary, underhood shield. Remove reinforcement plate.
4. Lift engine hood into assembly position. With a second person assisting and on both sides, gently raise retaining clip and simultaneously push upwards. Hold engine hood, unhook damper on hood. Open hood fully and reattach damper with special tool (51 2 170) to hood. (Scheme 18)
5. Turn fasteners on acoustic cover 90 degrees counterclockwise and remove acoustic cover.
6. Assemble special tool (00 0 200) with special tool (00 0 201/202/204/208) and install. Attach special tool (11 0 000) to special tool (00 0 200). Only in this way can you ensure that the engine hangs horizontally when the front axle support is released. Only attach engine to relevant suspension lugs. (Scheme 19)
7. Tighten screws (1, 2). (Scheme 20)
8. Unfasten top left and right nuts on engine mounts.
9. Raise engine approximately.39-.47" (10-12 mm).
10. Unfasten steering gear to front axle carrier. (Scheme 1)
11. Set steering gear to straight ahead position. Markings on steering spindle and steering gear must be aligned. Remove ignition key. The steering wheel cannot be turned and the slip ring in the steering column switch will not be damaged. Detach clamp from steering gear. (Scheme 21)
12. If replacing power steering gear, slacken lock nut (1) on tie rod on left and right. Screw tie rod (2) out of ball joint on left and right. (Scheme 22)
13. If not replacing power steering gear, release nut and remove tie rod on left and right with special tool (32 3 090). (Scheme 23)
14. Brace front axle support with workshop hoist. Unfasten screws and lower workshop hoist. (Scheme 24)
15. Release banjo bolts. Remove steering gear to left side. (Scheme 25)

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

Installation

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace sealing rings (D). (Scheme 25) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__torque-specifications).
2. Raise workshop hoist and tighten front axle carrier to engine carrier to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__torque-specifications).
3. Ensure tapered spigot and bore of tie rod are both free of grease. Replace self-locking nut. Brace on hexagon socket if necessary. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__torque-specifications).
4. Ensure that steering wheel and steering gear are in straight ahead setting. Markings on cap (1) and on housing (2) must be aligned. Replace clamping screw and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__torque-specifications).
5. Replace steering gear to front axle carrier self-locking nuts and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__torque-specifications).
6. Remove engine support and replace reinforcement plate.
7. Bleed power steering system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.
8. If steering gear was replaced, adjust front axle after assembly. See «SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/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.
3. Remove drive belt.
4. Disconnect suction and pressure lines from pump.
5. Unfasten screws and remove pump. (Scheme 26)
6. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten suction and pressure lines to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__torque-specifications).
7. Fill hydraulic system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.

Scheme 26

STEERING GEAR BOOT

1. If necessary, remove engine underguard at side.
2. Mark screw-in length of tie rod (2) (chalk mark). This simplifies later adjustment of toe-in. (Scheme 22)
3. Remove both ear clips. See «EAR CLIPS»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__ear-clips).
4. Slacken lock nut (1). Screw tie rod (2) out of tie rod end. (Scheme 22)
5. Remove boot.
6. To install, fit new boot with ear clip. See «EAR CLIPS»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion__ear-clips).
7. Screw tie rod (2) into tie rod end. (Scheme 22)
8. Align and adjust front axle. See «SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/bmw/x5/e53-1999-2003/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures) article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 27

Scheme 28

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

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