What did you do to / for your E53 today??

[andrewwynn]

Circle goes over square. They usually fail when a joint rusts and won't swivel. Most often can just be cleaned and lubricated


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[Salty B.]

Thanks y’all! I don’t think I’m gonna bother fixing that leveling sensor.

Got a new front right axle on order… the old one isn’t that old, maybe 30,000 miles on it.


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[SamW]

Recently replaced both tie rod assemblies as I noticed there was play in the front wheels in 3 and 9 o-clock direction and I could visibly see the tie-rods moving as I rocked the wheels. Now after new Lemförder tie rods the play is still there, although I noticed one of the inner rubber boot was cracked so it was good to replace them anyway. And atleast the tie rods can now be ruled out as the cause.

Now I'm wondering is the play coming from the steering rack itself or could the steering u-joint be causing it? With the front of the car lifted, while turning the steering wheel side to side, there is some slight initial looseness in the steering with simultaneous small clunking noise. It sounds like the noise is coming around the steering column or steering shaft and can be heard inside the cabin. Also, with only one front wheel lifted and while rocking the wheel side-to-side, the u-joint also moves.

Can you tell from this whether it is the steering rack or the u-joint causing the play? Of course could be that the both are bad.

[Henn28]

Originally Posted by Salty B.

Thanks y’all! I don’t think I’m gonna bother fixing that leveling sensor.

Got a new front right axle on order… the old one isn’t that old, maybe 30,000 miles on it.


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x5 axles….ugh.
My front right axle from FCP showed up today. The right front outer boot has been throwing grease for 2 years as I’ve ignored it. The GKN axle was on clearance a few weeks ago so I grabbed one and came up with a cunning plan.

The GKN axle itself seems to be a solid unit as long as you don’t run it with a shredded boot for 2 years, but the outer boot they use sucks badly in my opinion. I think too the small lift on my x5 may contribute to premature wear.

At any rate, I have an OE BMW boot kit and have decided to reboot the new axle before I pop it into the x5. Then, if the old axle joint happens to be ok, I’ll have a spare after I rebuild it. I’ll also get to compare the firmer material the OE boot is made of, to the more rubbery material used in the aftermarket boots.