Quick fix: 30 minute steering joint replacement! (pics!)

[sedc]

Hey everybody

I just did a writeup on replacing the steering column joint on our E53 X5 (specifically M54 I6 models)

I had a dead spot and clicking noise in my steering wheel. This is a common problem on E53 (and E38/E39), book says it takes 3 hours to replace but I was able to do it in 30 minutes on mine! V8s are probably not as easy

After almost 190k miles, mine was done!


Pics and info on my facebook page -


www.facebook.com/bimmerpc


It's so nice to not have a "click" noise and shimmy in the steering wheel

[Ricky Bobby]

Hey man lookin good! Good to know the joint replacement is easier on the I6

[davintosh]

That's awesome! Our X5 has an intermittent stickiness in the steering that I've been trying to figure out for a while. This might be the culprit. Thanks!

[davintosh]

Do you have a part number for that joint? I've checked RealOEM and there's no number for just that part, only for the whole assembly. I did find this ( http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E53-X5-...olumn/ES52549/ ) at ECS Tuning, but would like to shop around a bit before dropping that much money.

Also, since the replacement is a bit costly, I wonder if there is any way to refurbish/refresh the old one. Any thoughts?

[Ricky Bobby]

Thats what you need Dave, the whole joint assembly, its actually cheaper at ECS then most places I've seen. Maybe Craig @ Open Road can beat that price by another 10-15%?

[sedc]

Originally Posted by davintosh

Do you have a part number for that joint? I've checked RealOEM and there's no number for just that part, only for the whole assembly. I did find this ( http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E53-X5-...olumn/ES52549/ ) at ECS Tuning, but would like to shop around a bit before dropping that much money.

Also, since the replacement is a bit costly, I wonder if there is any way to refurbish/refresh the old one. Any thoughts?

That's the part. It's not cheap and I don't think it's rebuild-able -- staked aluminum joints


I know I'm not a sponsor here (yet) but for Xoutpost members I'd do $249 and include free shipping in the lower 48!

[lhordmclain]

I like this thread! esp the write-up...

Hopefully this issue is isolated ( not affecting all e53 clones )

[stackz]

what are you a midget or something? lol. that looks so cramped its not funny.

also, is it just me, or does the new assembly look a bit longer than the old one? does the new assembly not require a new rubber bellows like the old one to cover it?

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by sedc

Hey everybody

I just did a writeup on replacing the steering column joint on our E53 X5 (specifically M54 I6 models)

I had a dead spot and clicking noise in my steering wheel. This is a common problem on E53 (and E38/E39), book says it takes 3 hours to replace but I was able to do it in 30 minutes on mine! V8s are probably not as easy

After almost 190k miles, mine was done!


Pics and info on my facebook page -


www.facebook.com/bimmerpc


It's so nice to not have a "click" noise and shimmy in the steering wheel

Too bad that this DIY is on a site that you have to join. Some prefer not to be associated with intrusive social media like Facebook. :