Part number for lower steering shaft?

[ChevDog1]

I have excessive on center play in my steering (about an inch), and have tracked it down to the u-joint in the lower steering shaft. I have spent the last couple of hours online trying to find the correct part, and I'm coming up empty. Everything I have found says it's for 2002 and newer. Have any of you had to replace this part, and do you happen to know the correct part number and/or a source for the part? Thanks!

[DallasGV]

If you're talking about #3 in the diagram below then you have to buy it as a set with the shaft etc., pre 03/2002.

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i STEER.COL.-LOWER JOINT ASSY


If your X is pre 03/2002 don't try to save money or time and get the later date joint as a separate piece it will not fit...I know this from experience.

[ChevDog1]

Thanks Dallas! Part #3 is exactly waht I need. So you are saying that I have to buy #1 as a complete set for $495.00? It sounds like you have done this. Did you find a better price for this? Where did you get yours?

[DallasGV]

It's a bit of a PITA but I've done it but not with a new part. Maybe I should explain. In my case, I thought it was the double joint that was going out but really it was the hex bolt (#8 in the diagram) that had worked it's way loose slightly. Of course, I didn't find this out until I had bought the post 03/2002 double joint thinking it would be the same sans shaft and tried it and had to send it back.

Before you try to change out the double joint you might want to look at the hex bolt. It's not too hard to get to: take off the drivers side foot well cover and rotate the steering wheel until you see the bolt and then add some blue loctite, tighten it and see if that gets rid of the slack. If you do end up replacing the double joint I would suggest taking out the water valve and associated hoses along with the drivers side tire and going at it from underneath.

[ChevDog1]

Thanks, I'll check that out.

What is the rivers side foot well cover?

[DallasGV]

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i Trim panel dashboard


#11 and #3

[ChevDog1]

Thanks - I didn't realize you were talking about a bolt inside the car and under the dash.

[DallasGV]

My bad I should have been a little more descriptive.

Before I forget, when you're ready to buy parts make sure you get the correct part number at RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog. You can enter your VIN or go through the prompts for model, year, etc.

Couple of places to get parts:

OEM / Performance Parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen - ECS Tuning (site sponsor, so check here first)
Auto Parts at AutohausAZ - OEM Auto Parts - Discount Replacement Parts, Resources and Car Care Tips
Pelican Parts - Porsche Parts & BMW Parts - Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche & BMW

I personally use ECS for the hard to find parts and autohasaz for everything else.

[Hdog10]

Try spraying the steering u joint with Liquid Wrench. Mine did the same thing spent $3 on the spray can and 30 seconds thoroughly lubricating the u joint. Felt like new again no more notch unless or steering play at low speeds

[ChevDog1]

Well, After living with the play in the steering for 2 years - I finally fixed it!

I was convinced that the play was at the ujoint, and hesitant to spend $400-500 for a new lower steering shaft. Earlier this week I rebuilt the front suspension after finding a failed ball joint. After I got it all back together and took it for a test drive, the play in the steering wheel was more noticeable with the rest of the front end tightened up, so I started looking for the source again.

I turns out that it was the pinch bolt at the top of the ujoint! Just a few minutes with the proper socket, and the car drives like new!