Schu Dog Nite

So about three weeks ago I noticed a small amount of transmision fluid under my car after it sat for three days, first problem. If anyone remembers I posted a topic about a slight "thunk" in my front end/steering wheel when taking slow left turns about two months ago. I figured since I was taking it in for the tranny leak lets have that diagnosed. Come to find out my transmision is leaking from the "servtronic sleeve" (i think the SA said that, maybe totally wrong) No big problem I guess, they have to pull oi pan ect. and fixed. The thunk turned out to be the power steering rack. New one ordered should be done by next week I quess. Question is this, I thought the car was fly by wire, why does it have a rack?? anyone heard of this problem and is it a major fix,,,,all fixed under warrantee CPO and Im driving a very slow 2009 X5 3.0. Any thoughts

or_550i

Throttle is electronic ("fly by wire") but the steering is not. It might be electronically assisted (as with the Toyota Prius) but physically every car has some [physical] mechanics for steering.

BMW has had rack and pinion since the 70s.

Perhaps you should read:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steering_rack

Schu Dog Nite

ok got it thanks,,,,is it a big fix?

or_550i

No idea.

Perhaps this will help:
http://www.s2forum.com/forum/archive...p?t-25808.html

bmwroger1

on the E60 it is quite a bit of work to replace the entire rack and pinion assembly....there are numerous of hoses and lines running around them and there is very little room to manuever your hands between the frame and other obsticles blocking the way.... i have changed my inner tie rod on my 04 545I and had to remove 3 covers in order to have full access to the rack...and thats just for the tie rod.....good news is, now you will have a brand new rack and bothe inner tie rods will be new as well... BMW's tie rods come complete assembly with the outer and inner tie rod...but if you take it to the stealer...most likely they will use the old outer tie rods from your original rack...pending that they are still good... good luck and keep us posted on how the drive feels after getting it done

Schu Dog Nite

i did go to dealer because it was covered under CPO and well I had to. Handles great and actually feels better over bumps. Funny thing is I just did the steering box on my e34 I just sold, the part was almost 2K!!! Damn now I wonder if i should have paid out of pocket for new tie rods GRRRRRRRR

bmwroger1

well the new rack comes with both inner tie rods...they probably used the original outer tie rods from your old rack..but if they were loose aswell they might have charged you for the outers....cause thats normal wear and tear and i wouldnt think thats covered under warranty unless its a defect.

Schu Dog Nite

you are right, it wouldnt have been covered. im thinkin im good on them for maybe another 20k? thanks for advice