Recall 12V-267 - Inspect The Power Steering Gear: Overview
SI B32 04 12Steering and Wheel Alignment
August 2012
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B32 04 12 dated July 2012.
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL
AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY
ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
BMW centers must ensure recalls are completed after having been notified by BMW of North America, LLC (BMWNA) that a safety-related defect or noncompliance exists in any motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment in the center's possession at the time of notification. In BMW NA's case, this notification would typically be made by the issuance of a recall notification in the form of a Service Information bulletin (SIB) or transmission of a Dealer Communication System (DCS) recall message.
Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, as amended, if a recall campaign is announced by BMW NA, centers must ensure that all recalls on new vehicles and new items of replacement equipment are completed BEFORE delivery to the consumer. This means that centers may not legally deliver new motor vehicles or new items of replacement equipment to consumers with an open recall.
The Safety Act also prohibits centers from selling or leasing the motor vehicle or item of replacement equipment, unless and until the open recall has been completed BEFORE delivery. This also pertains to vehicles in the Certified Pre-Owned program, and to items of replacement equipment.
Finally, BMW centers should not sell or use parts that have been recalled by BMW NA. Please follow the specific instructions provided by BMW NA on the return or disposition of the parts.
[NEW] designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT
Recall Campaign 12V-267: Inspect the Power Steering Gear
MODEL
E70
E71
SITUATION
Certain power steering gear assemblies were produced with a sealing ring which was improperly positioned. Under certain circumstances, this sealing ring may become loose, resulting in a hydraulic fluid leak. The result is a sudden loss of power steering assist. Steering function will be maintained, however, the effort required to steer the vehicle will be significantly higher. In some cases power steering fluid can spray onto hot exhaust components and ignite. Therefore, a vehicle fire may occur.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall Campaign involves X5 and X6 models produced from April 20th to May 29th.
In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Recall Campaign completed or is affected by this Recall Campaign, first check the B-pillar label for code number 621. If code number 621 has been punched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 621 has not been punched out, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.
PROCEDURE
The vehicle option codes should be determined via DCS Warranty Vehicle Inquiry or PuMA. For vehicles equipped with Active Steering (Option Code 217), replace the steering gear according to Repair Instruction 32 13 066, "Replacing active front steering hydraulic gear."
For vehicles without Active Front Steering, refer to the procedure below.
The steering gear is stamped with an identification letter on the pinion shaft housing, as indicated by the arrow. The letter code can be inspected without removing any parts.
With the vehicle properly supported on a lift, inspect the identification stamp located on the power steering gear.
The code can be viewed through the opening in the lower cover at the left front wheel arch.
Method 1
Using an inspection mirror (1) and a flashlight (2), check the letter code of the steering gear.
The letter code is stamped on the steering gear housing at the location indicated by the arrow. The code will face the front of the vehicle. If the code listed is A through F, no further action is necessary. Proceed with the label instructions to finalize the inspection.
If the code listed is not A through F or there is no letter code, the power steering gear must be replaced. Refer to Repair Instruction 32 13 061, "Replacing hydraulic steering gear." Proceed with the label instructions after the steering gear has been replaced.
Method 2
The letter code can be viewed using a bore scope.
The bore scope lead (1) can be positioned through the lower engine compartment cover to view the letter stamp.
The letter code is stamped on the steering housing at the location indicated by the arrow. The code will face the front of the vehicle. If the code listed is A through F, no further action is necessary. Proceed with the label instructions to finalize the inspection.
[NEW] If the code listed is not A through F or there is no letter code, the power steering gear must be replaced. [NEW] Refer to Repair Instruction 32 13 061, "Replacing hydraulic steering gear. "Proceed with the label instructions after the steering gear has been replaced.
PARTS INFORMATION
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Recall Campaign has been assigned code number 621. After the vehicle has been checked and/or corrected, obtain a label (SD 92-417?) and:
A. Emboss your BMW center warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
B. Punch out code number ??? (2), printed on the label; and
C. Affix the label to the B-pillar as shown.
If the vehicle already has a label from a previous Service Action/Recall Campaign, affix the new label next to the old one. Do not affix one label on top of another one, because a number from an underlying label could appear in the punched-out hole of the new label.
[NEW] WARRANTY INFORMATION