BMW F30 steering rack repair

Now it is difficult to imagine a modern car without power steering. If in the beginning it was mainly hydraulic systems, now they are increasingly being replaced by electric steering racks. Such devices not only help the driver when maneuvering in place or cornering. It can be successfully integrated into smart car systems. In addition, electric power steering has other significant advantages: it is more compact, does not require the use (and therefore replacement) of fluid.

Electrics can change the steering force depending on the speed. And finally, the main advantage – unlike the hydraulic one, the electric steering rack works only when the driver turns the steering wheel, and not constantly.

Features of BMW F30 model line steering racks

Bavarian automakers, whose products are known as sports cars, could not help but use electric power steering in their models. When developing BMW's sixth generation 3 Series, which ran from 2012 to 2019, they focused on achieving optimal handling and high smoothness, so they tried to lighten the undercarriage components and improve suspension and steering kinematics.

The electric steering rack replaces the Servotronic system, which the Bavarians have been using on their cars since 1985. It was a Hydraulic power steering, in which the pressure in the main line was regulated by a solenoid valve depending on the speed of movement. The system was quite efficient, but very complex due to the large number of components. The electrical unit looked more compact, simple and efficient, but in practice it was not without drawbacks.

As in other models, depending on the tasks, there are several different options for steering racks

• Regular rear-wheel drive
• All - wheel drive
• Sport all-wheel drive version
• Sports rear-wheel drive version

And this is only for European countries of right-hand traffic.

Typical malfunctions of BMW F30 electric power steering

The steering rack of this model consists of a housing, inside which there is a rack bar, a steering angle sensor module and a power electric motor that is screwed outwards. The motor rotates the ball-screw pair through a rubber gear belt. Electric amplifiers are interchangeable in all cars of the model range: 3-series of the sixth generation (F30/31/34/35/80) and the 4th series of the 1st generation (F32/33/36).

Just like in other vehicles equipped with electric steering racks, F30 malfunctions are divided into:

• mechanical, when parts that transmit torque suffer: rod, bearings, ball-screw pair, and others;
• electrical, when breakdowns relate to electronic equipment: circuit boards, sensors, contacts.

However, this series of cars has two typical malfunctions, mostly inherent only in the F30.

In addition, owners of the F30s often complain to manufacturers about the insufficient amount of oil inside the steering rack from the factory, which can also cause the unit to fail. Manifestations of a malfunction of the electric booster can be considered:

Usually, breakdowns occur on runs of more than 150,000 km or in case of damage to SEALs: dust covers, covers, oil seals.

How to repair the BMW F30 model line steering rack

Electric power steering is a complex unit that cannot be repaired in all cases. However, new original components or high-quality substitutes from aftermarket Auto Parts Manufacturers are too expensive to install on cars with high mileage. As an alternative, owners often consider buying used steering racks. The main disadvantage of this solution is the unclear condition and residual life of the parts used.

Not everyone, even experienced craftsmen, can repair equipment on their own. Success requires not so much skills as knowledge of the nuances, of which there are many. Therefore, the best way out is to contact a company that specializes in the restoration of steering racks – to us at STS.Parts. many years of experience, professional equipment and highly qualified staff allow us to perform work efficiently and quickly. In addition, our exchange fund always has fully repaired steering racks available for all car models.

Briefly about how we restore electric power steering:

As a result, the client receives a repaired unit, which is in no way inferior to the factory electric power steering, and in terms of further maintainability surpasses it. And this is at a price much lower than that of the new part.

If you want to save time, we can offer you an already repaired rail from our MSG Rebuilding brand. Replacement of such a steering rack is no more than one working day.

1. The so-called"electric motor rejection". The electric motor is screwed to the steering rack body with silumin bolts, which are subject to corrosion. If you do not follow them, they can completely rot over time, and the motor can fall off from the amplifier. This can cause both damage to the drive belt and ingress of moisture, with the corresponding consequences: corrosion of internal parts, short circuits and damage to the electrical part.
2. Damage to the bearing. As a result, the driver begins to feel extraneous sounds, the weight of the steering wheel. This may cause the belt to break

• noise during Operation;
• knocking while driving through bumps;
• creaking, especially in cold weather.

1. First, we remove the damaged rack components, disassemble and find out the cause of the malfunction.
2. We clean all parts: rack bars, the middle of the case, sensors and their contacts, boards from corrosion, restore the protective coating.
3. If necessary, we change the control unit to a restored one, and the field - effect transistor boards to elements of our own design.
4. We install new bearings, drive belts, ball-screw pairs and other consumables, if necessary.
5. We check the steering rack on a special stand of our own design of the MSG Equipment brand.