Recall - Tie Rod Nut Inspection: Overview
Group 32Steering
32 52 00
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Service Engineering
January 2001
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS, AND PRIOR TO RETAIL SALE.
PLEASE CONTACT OWNERS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES IMMEDIATELY AND ARRANGE TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES TOWED INTO YOUR SAV CENTER THROUGH ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE (CALL 1-800-332-4269).
This Service Information bulletins supersedes S.I. 32 52 00 dated November 2000. The chassis number ranges have been extended.
SUBJECT:
Recall Campaign 00V-341 - Checking Tie Rod Nuts
MODEL:
X5-E53
SITUATION:
The potential defect involves the axial joint of the left steering tie rod at the steering gearbox of affected vehicles. The nut that secures the axial joint of the left steering tie rod to the steering gearbox may have been secured with insufficient torque.
Depending on operation of the vehicle, this could lead to loosening of the nut and initially to steering wheel play and/or misalignment, as well as noise from the steering linkage. If vehicle operation continues, the tie rod could disconnect from the steering gearbox. If this were to occur, steerability would be drastically reduced and a serious accident could result.
Please note the precautions provided to the driver in the shown draft of the customer letter. The vehicle should not be driven if there is any steering wheel play or misalignment, or if noise from the steering linkage is noticed. In this case, or if a customer is uncomfortable driving an affected vehicle, the customer is instructed to contact Roadside Assistance or a BMW SAV center for a tow. If a customer calls you and states they do not want to drive an affected vehicle, please make arrangements to have the vehicle towed in through Roadside Assistance.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
This Recall Campaign involves X5 vehicles with M54 and M62 engines which were produced from September 9 through October 13, 2000.
In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Recall Campaign, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of the DCS (Dealer Communication System). Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.
The Chassis Number Ranges as shown are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor.
PARTS INFORMATION
This repair will require the replacement of one or both of the clamps holding the rubber boots to the steering rack as described in the procedure.
Part Number Description Quantity
32 13 6 751 292 Clamp 1 or 2
CORRECTION:
The repair consists of checking the torque of the nut holding the tie rod to the steering rack, and tightening if necessary.
PROCEDURE:
Raise the vehicle on a lift, and remove the crimp clamp securing the driver's side rubber boot to the steering rack, taking care not to damage the boot. Wipe off the tie rod from the small end of the boot outward, release the spring clamp on the small end of the boot, and slide the boot off of the rack to provide access to the retaining nut.
Turn the steering so that the retaining nut is just outside the steering rack.
Use special tool 323 160 (or 1-1/2" crows-foot or flare nut wrench) and the associated torque wrench to tighten the retaining nut. Set the wrench to 95 Nm and take notice as to whether the nut turns prior to reaching 95 Nm. Reset the wrench to 110 Nm and tighten the nut to 110 Nm.
Reinstall the boot with a new clamp on the rack end, taking care not to disturb the "0" ring on the end of the rack, and crimp to secure.
Note:
If the driver's side nut turned before reaching 95 Nm, the passenger side nut must also be tightened. Repeat the procedure on the passenger side nut, and check and adjust the toe setting as necessary.
If the driver's side nut was found to be tight, no further repairs are necessary.
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Recall Campaign has been assigned code number 285 After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-155) and:
a. emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b. punch out code number 285 printed on the label and,
c. affix the label to the B pillar as shown.
If the vehicle already has a label from a previous Service Action/Recall Campaign, affix the new label next to the old one. Do not affix one label on top of another one because a number from an underlying label could appear in the punched-out hole of the new label.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Reimbursement for this Recall will be via Campaign Entry
Any towing required should be arranged with Roadside Assistance. Towing reimbursement through Warranty should not be necessary.