32 00 Troubleshooting On Front Axle (After Wheel/Chassis Alignment Check On Front Axle)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2007 BMW 530i, 2007 BMW 525i, 2006 BMW 530i, 2006 BMW 525i, and 2005 BMW 530i. 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.

Also comply with the guidelines for repairs to the power steering gear necessitated by an accident.

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.

Troubleshooting On Front Axle

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 Fault	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 that 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 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	Angle deviation Prerequisite: camber and caster are correct, Tie rods not adjusted uniformly	Adjust toe on left and right sides to same value
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