Genuine BMW 330i Rack and Pinions

BMW 330i Rack and Pinions Parts Questions & Answers

• Exchange Hydro Steering Gear
  32-10-6-777-463
  Q: How to replace the steering gear in a BMW 330i?

  A: Block the rear wheels, apply the parking brake, and raise the front of the vehicle, supporting it on jack stands. Remove both front wheels and the engine under-shield. Set the steering straight and engage the steering lock. If your model has electric power steering, disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the nuts securing the outer tie-rod ends to the steering knuckles, releasing the ball joints by tapping their ends with a soft-faced hammer. Mark the alignment between the intermediate shaft coupling and the rack and pinions. Remove the coupling pinch bolt. If you have conventional power steering, clamp both the supply and return hoses near the reservoir to minimize fluid loss, marking the unions for correct positioning on reassembly. Remove the feed and return pipe union bolts from the rack and pinions housing and remove the sealing washers. Be ready for fluid spillage and plug the ends of the pipes and rack and pinions to prevent leakage and contamination. Release the power steering pipes from their retaining clips. For electric power steering, release the rack and pinions wiring harness and disconnect the plug from the motor. Loosen and remove the rack and pinions mounting bolts, discarding them as new ones will be needed for reinstallation. Examine the rack and pinions for wear or damage, ensuring the rack moves freely. If the rack and pinions assembly is faulty, it must be replaced, as only the boots, the outer tie-rod ends, or the tie-rod shafts can be replaced individually. For installation, position the rack and pinions with new mounting bolts, tighten them to the correct torque. For conventional power steering, use new sealing washers for the pipe hose unions and tighten the union bolts. For electric models, reconnect the motor electrical connector. Align the previously made marks and connect the intermediate shaft coupling to the rack and pinions with a new clamp bolt. Insert the outer tie-rod ends into the steering knuckles using new nuts. Reattach the wheels and engine under-shield, lower the vehicle, and tighten the wheel bolts. For conventional power steering, bleed the hydraulic system. It's essential to check the front wheel alignment soon. If you have active steering or a new rack and pinions was installed, ensure the steering angle sensor calibration is checked with BMW diagnostic equipment by a professional.