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

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

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

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!

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?

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%?

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


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!

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

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

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?

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. :thumbdown: