Special tools required:
IMPORTANT: The rubber mounts are only permitted to be replaced once.
Carry out check: There must always be a minimum amount of play in the guide joint.
1. Check guide joint play
NOTE: Apply light pressure to the trailing link (in the area of the guide joint) in the horizontal and vertical directions.
Play is OK: Check the screw connection. (see Point 2) Play is not OK: Replace RUBBER MOUNT AND GUIDE JOINT.
2. Check screw connection (trailing link to guide joint) by tightening to 60 % of tightening torque 31 12 2AZ and listening for cracking sound.
Replacing rubber mount:
Using a press and special tools 31 2 261 and 31 2 264 , press rubber mount out of tension strut.
NOTE: Special tool 31 2 264 must be exactly flush with rubber mount bush.
Installation note: Keep rubber mount and bushing in tension strut clean and free from grease.
Align rubber mount and trailing link with markings (K) and press into place.
Installation note: Protrusion (A) equally large.
REPLACING RUBBER MOUNTS ON BOTH TRAILING LINKS
NOTE: Procedure is described in 31 12 138 Replacing rubber mount in left or right trailing link.
BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual > Mechanical steering gear: Notes on checking steering backlash on vehicles with rack-and- pinion
steering
NOTE:
The evaluation "steering backlash" is made usually when the front axle is
raised, where the track rod is angled.
The force introduced via the track rod is divided into a horizontal force and a vertical force relieving the thrust
member (1) against the spring (2).
The steering box is ...