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31 00... Instructions (damage to suspension)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Substandard road holding, atypical noises, tires worn on one side, camber and toe-in values which deviate from nominal value and mis-shaped components are all indicators of damage to the suspension caused by road traffic accidents or similar impacts.

To repair vehicle correctly, depending on condition of vehicle, perform the following troubleshooting procedure:

You must also follow the RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR ACCIDENT-RELATED REPAIRS TO THE STEERING GEAR .

Troubleshooting 

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Vehicle condition Possible cause Remedy
1 Camber inside/toe-in outside the nominal value, adjustment of track alignment possible
  1. Screw connection not OK
  2. Tie rod or journal of tie rod end is deformed
  3. One or both tension struts is/are deformed
  4. Control arm deformed
  1. Check screw connections:

    TIE ROD END to swivel bearing

    TIE ROD to power steering gear

    Power steering gear to front axle carrier. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR .

  2. Replace TIE ROD , TENSION STRUT  and SWIVEL BEARING .
    IMPORTANT: If the journal of the tie rod end is deformed, the power steering gear must also be replaced. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR .
  3. Replace TENSION STRUT  and SWIVEL BEARING .
  4. Replace CONTROL ARM , TENSION STRUT  and SWIVEL BEARING .
2 Camber inside/toe-in outside the nominal value, adjustment of track alignment possible Powerful forces acting on steering/front axle components Replace TIE RODS
Replace SWIVEL BEARING 
Replace power steering gear. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING POWER STEERING GEAR or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACTIVE FRONT STEERING POWER STEERING GEAR .
Replace TENSION STRUT 
Replace CONTROL ARMS 
3 Camber/toe-in outside the nominal value, adjustment of track alignment not possible Powerful forces acting on front axle with distortion of:
  1. a) Screw connections
  2. b) Front axle support
  3. c) See Pt. 1b) to d)
  4. f) Spring strut/piston rod
  1. Check screw connections, replace the relevant part if necessary
  2. Replace FRONT AXLE CARRIER 
  3. See Pt. 1b) to d)
  4. Replace SPRING STRUT