BMW 7 Series: Bleeding Power Steering (Version With Dynamic Drive)

WARNING: DANGER OF POISONING if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin! RISK OF INJURY if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.

Ensure that the cap is fully screwed in prior to the fill level check.

NOTE: To avoid mix-ups when filling with hydraulic fluid, mark the fluid reservoirs or their caps with identification marks.

Fig. 37: Identifying Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir Cap Identification Mark

1. Thoroughly clean fluid reservoir and its immediate surroundings

2. Check and correct fill level

NOTE: The fill level is dependent on the fluid temperature. Check fluid level at a fluid temperature between 20º and 80ºC.

With engine at normal operating temperature do not exceed "Max. marking 80ºC" (1).

Do not drop below "Min. marking 20ºC" (2).

Hydraulic fluid: see STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - OPERATING FLUIDS

Fig. 38: Identifying Maximum And Minimum Temperature Marking Of Fluid Level

3. Start engine

4. Turn steering wheel left and right twice in each case up to full lock; if necessary, top up hydraulic fluid (e.g. if hydraulic system is completely drained)

5. Move steering wheel to straight-ahead position and turn off 122 engine

6. Check and correct fill level with engine stopped

7. Check hydraulic system for leaks

After filling

• If necessary, carry out INITIAL DYNAMIC DRIVE OPERATION

BLEEDING POWER STEERING UNIT

WARNING: DANGER OF POISONING if oil is ingested/absorbed through the skin! RISK OF INJURY if oil comes into contact with eyes and skin!

IMPORTANT: Adhere to the utmost cleanliness. Do not allow any dirt to enter the hydraulic system.

Ensure that the cap is fully screwed in prior to the fill level check.

NOTE: To avoid mix-ups when filling with hydraulic fluid, mark the fluid reservoir or the cap with an identification mark.

Fig. 39: Identifying Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir Cap Identification Mark

1. Thoroughly clean fluid reservoir and its immediate surroundings

2. Check and correct fill level

NOTE: The fill level is dependent on the oil temperature. Check fill level at an oil temperature between 20º and 80ºC.

With engine at operating temperature do not exceed "Max. marking 80ºC" (1).

Do not drop below "Min. marking 20ºC" (2).

Hydraulic fluid: see STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - OPERATING FLUIDS

Fig. 40: Identifying Maximum And Minimum Temperature Marking Of Fluid Level

3. Start engine

4. Turn steering wheel left and right twice in each case up to full lock; if necessary, top up hydraulic fluid (e.g. if hydraulic system is completely drained)

5. Move steering wheel to straight-ahead position and turn off engine

6. Check and correct fill level with engine stopped

7. Check hydraulic system for leaks

INFORMATION ON REPLACING STEERING BOX AFTER ACCIDENT DAMAGE

Situation

In the event of accidents or driving conditions similar to accidents, shock-like loads can cause different types of damage to steering boxes. When a steering box is externally undamaged, it is sometimes only possible to identify damage with great difficulty and with great effort. However, damage of this nature poses an unacceptable risk to the vehicle because it can result in failure of the steering system.

Because of the disproportionate amount of effort involved, it is generally not sensible to check thoroughly all the individual components of the steering box and as an alternative it is necessary to take into account other components which can be checked more easily.

Procedure

The steering box must be replaced if one or more of the following points apply:

A. Visible or noticeable damage to the steering box

• Version with electric steering box (EPS): Examine in particular the control unit with all plug connections for damage and hairline cracks.

B. Unacceptable torque increase and jamming when the steering box is turned from lock to lock (without hydraulic/electrical assistance)

C. Permissible tolerances exceeded during axle/wheel alignment (include alignment record with invoice/report if necessary)

D. Fire damage

E. Damage, permanent deformation or fractures to:

• Wheel rims in the event of a negative result from the wheel/axle alignment check
• Spring struts, steering stubs, wheel carriers
• Wishbones
• Leading or trailing links or anti-roll bars with this function
• Body-side screwing/attachment points for wheel guide/control components
• Front axle support
• Pitman arms
• Track rods
• Steering gear fixtures
• Steering Column

This guideline is binding for all accident repairs to BMW and MINI vehicles

NOTE: If the steering box replacement work which is required for safety reasons is refused by the customer or an insurance company for cost reasons, a memorandum to that effect must be drawn up and countersigned by the party bearing the costs of the accident repair.

IMPORTANT: The vehicle's operating licence will be invalidated whenever the function of any of its safety components is compromised!

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