32 00... Troubleshooting After Wheel/Chassis Alignment Check On Front Axle
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 BMW 550i and 2006 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Substandard roadholding, atypical noises, tires worn on one side and toe-in/camber values which deviate from the nominal value are all indicators of damage to the suspension caused by road traffic accidents or similar impacts.
To carry out proper repairs, you must follow the procedure set out in the troubleshooting table below depending on the condition of the vehicle in question.
You must also follow the RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR ACCIDENT-RELATED REPAIRS TO THE STEERING GEAR .
NOTE:
If after chassis/suspension components have been replaced adjustment of camber/track alignment is not possible, the vehicle must be placed on the straightening bench
FRONT AXLE TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
| Fault | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Toe deviation | Tie rod end worn | Replace TIE ROD END |
| Tie rod bent | Replace TIE ROD | |
| Rubber mount or ball joint of control arm faulty | Replace CONTROL ARMS | |
| Rubber mount or ball joint/guide joint of tension strut faulty | Replace RUBBER MOUNT or GUIDE JOINT/BOTH TENSION STRUTS | |
| Camber deviation | Rubber mount or ball joint of control arm faulty | Replace CONTROL ARMS |
| Control arm deformed | Replace CONTROL ARMS | |
| Rubber mount or ball joint/guide joint of tension strut faulty | Replace RUBBER MOUNT or GUIDE JOINT/BOTH TENSION STRUTS | |
| Tension strut deformed | Replace both TENSION STRUTS | |
| Spring strut/piston rod of shock absorber deformed | Replace FRONT SPRING STRUT | |
| Ride height between driver's and passenger sides different | Check LOAD , correct if necessary | |
| Replace COIL SPRING | ||
| Front axle carrier deformed | Replace FRONT AXLE CARRIER | |
| Caster deviation
NOTE:
Caster is defined by design and cannot be adjusted |
Rubber mount or ball joint of control arm faulty | Replace CONTROL ARMS |
| Control arm deformed | Replace CONTROL ARMS | |
| Rubber mount or ball joint/guide joint of tension strut faulty | Replace RUBBER MOUNT or GUIDE JOINT/BOTH TENSION STRUTS | |
| Tension strut deformed | Replace both T TENSION STRUTS | |
| Spring strut/piston rod of shock absorber deformed | Replace FRONT SPRING STRUT | |
| Front axle carrier deformed | Replace FRONT AXLE CARRIER | |
| Ride height between driver's and passenger sides different | Check LOAD , correct if necessary | |
| Air spring strut: Carry out ride-height-calibration | ||
| Check COIL SPRINGS , replace if necessary | ||
| Toe-difference angle deviation Prerequisite: camber and caster are correct |
Tie rods not adjusted uniformly | Adjust toe on left and right sides to same value. See CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK PROCEDURE , KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION , and KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD . |
| Wheel-offset deviation Prerequisite: front wheels have equal single toe to geometrical axis |
Front axle carrier deformed | Replace FRONT AXLE CARRIER |
| Control arm deformed | Replace CONTROL ARMS | |
| Tension strut deformed | Replace both TENSION STRUTS |