SECTION 14: STEERING
14
DOB 2490-2789 | X3-45 Commuter PA1605 Maintenance Manual (Section 14 revised April 2018)
MAINTENANCE
Steering damper ball joint (rod end) is provided
with a grease fitting for pressure lubrication.
This grease fitting should be serviced every
6,000 miles.
Check the ball joint for wear, and replace if
necessary.
Good quality lithium-base mineral grease NLGI
No. 1 and 2 like Shell Retinax LX are
recommended.
FIGURE 21: STEERING STABILIZER (DAMPER)
14042
12.3 DRAG
LINK
Visually inspect drag link components for
broken, corroded or deformed clamps, loose,
bent or corroded nuts and gauges on tube from
rubbing parts.
12.3.1 Front
I-beam
Axle
On vehicles equipped with I-beam front axle, the
drag link features “lubricated for life” ball joints
and a compact fine adjustment system.
Visual inspection
Inspect the adjustment system to ensure the
threads are firmly seated. Also, a visual inspection
should be carried-out looking for damage or
corrosion to the adjustment system components.
Replace any part showing corrosion or damage.
Functional inspection
Clean the adjustment system with a brush and
compressed air prior to inspection, if required.
With the engine running and the vehicle on the
ground (with a load on the axle) turn the steering
wheel left and right.
To verify that the threads are tight and do not
present any play, use one of the following
methods:
Visual
inspection
Place a finger on the separation line from the
adjuster sleeve to the threaded ball joint
shaft.
Keep fingers clear of pinch zones
.
Use a dial gage clamped to the tube and
feelers aligned on the ball joint to indicate
any play
When play is discovered in the adjusting system,
replace the complete drag link.
CAUTION
Do not re-use clamp hardware
.
Bolt and nut should be replaced every time
they are unscrewed.
While assembling the clamp, make sure the
bolt does not touch the drag link tube.
FIGURE 22: I-BEAM FRONT AXLE DRAG LINK
