BMW Steering Gear Goes Thump

This bulletin applies to 2016 BMW 2-series, 3-series and 4-series vehicles. If a thumping noise is heard from the front axle during slow speed turning, the noise most typically occurs at ambient temperatures above 75 degrees F and at normal engine operating temperature. The affected vehicles are outfitted with a specific steering gear, and more importantly, a problematic tie rod.

Mike Mavrigian

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

June 10, 2022

2 min read

This bulletin applies to 2016 BMW 2-series, 3-series and 4-series vehicles. If a thumping noise is heard from the front axle during slow speed turning, the noise most typically occurs at ambient temperatures above 75 degrees F and at normal engine operating temperature. Note that only vehicles equipped with the manufacturer Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen (ZF) standard steering gear are affected.

Examples of corrosion are indicated by the yellow arrows on the inside tie rod joint.

The issue does not affect gears made by Thyssen-Krupp (TKPS). Only those steering gears equipped with tie rods made by CTR have been found to have possible corrosion on the inside tie rod joint. If you verify that the steering gear is made by ZF, pull the rack bellows boot back to determine the manufacturer of the inner tie rod. If the tie rod is made by CTR, inspect to see if the grease is discolored and if corrosion is found on the joint.

To correct the issue, replace the tie rod(s). Replacement inner tie rods are available as P/N 32 10 6 799 960 for the left tie rod and 32 10 6 799 965 for the right tie rod.

Note that the issue also only involves tie rods made by CTR (seen at left), not those made by Lemfoerder (seen at right).

About the Author

Mike Mavrigian

Motor Age Editor

Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.