[KGB_123_99]

Hi folks,

The dealer is replacing the thrust piece in my steering assembly because I have a clunk when turning the steering wheel with the engine off.

Now this is not my area of expertise and this is the first time I actually hear about this piece. What I found online is that is pushes the rack against the pinion (is that right?).

My question is, do I need an alignment after this procedure? Dealer says no and it kind of makes sense but I want to be sure.

Thanks!

[F3rst0rder]

If an alignment were required I would imagine the dealer would have said something or if replacing under warranty would be addressing it during repair. I can only imagine a “thrust” piece must be part of the steering shaft (possibly like a pillow bearing) which should not require an alignment. I don’t know specifically a rack component that pushes the rack against the pinion that I have ever seen

[obert]

Off topic but I had the same issue and they replaced the whole steering rack and did an alignment. Had my car for two weeks.

[IAmATeaf]

My dealer also replaced my entire steering rack with a supposed updated/improves rack which also meant that they needed to update the software on the car. They also did a 4 wheel alignment.

[F3rst0rder]

Funny. I’ve had a front end steering clunk and the dealership tells me they can’t figure it out. Interesting to see so many people getting steering racks

[KGB_123_99]

If the new thrust piece doesn't sort out my clunk, they will replace the entire rack as well.

However, supposedly it's just one piece which causes the problem. If that's the case, replacing the whole rack seems like overkill.

[adpack82]

Originally Posted by KGB_123_99

Hi folks,

The dealer is replacing the thrust piece in my steering assembly because I have a clunk when turning the steering wheel with the engine off.

Now this is not my area of expertise and this is the first time I actually hear about this piece. What I found online is that is pushes the rack against the pinion (is that right?).

My question is, do I need an alignment after this procedure? Dealer says no and it kind of makes sense but I want to be sure.

Thanks!

I'm told by the dealer, mine needs the same part (thrust piece), I ordered it myself from BMW parts, although it's on back order from Germany. Hopefully easy enough to fit, though I can't find much info online.

It only cost me about £28, so a lot cheaper for BMW, than replacing a steering rack.

Only time will tell if it fixes the issue.

[JamesStam]

Which website exactly did you order the repair kit from?

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by JamesStam

Which website exactly did you order the repair kit from?

Any Dealer or site that sells OEM parts.

[Korvo]

Did this fix your problem, OP?

[2015BMW328IXDRIVE]

Originally Posted by KGB_123_99

Hi folks,

The dealer is replacing the thrust piece in my steering assembly because I have a clunk when turning the steering wheel with the engine off.

Now this is not my area of expertise and this is the first time I actually hear about this piece. What I found online is that is pushes the rack against the pinion (is that right?).

My question is, do I need an alignment after this procedure? Dealer says no and it kind of makes sense but I want to be sure.

Thanks!

Do you need to grease the new bushing when reinstalling?

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by F3rst0rder

Funny. I’ve had a front end steering clunk and the dealership tells me they can’t figure it out. Interesting to see so many people getting steering racks

There are two very well documented problems with the racks. One is the thrust bearing, the other is corroded bolts that attach the steering motor to the rack. Both are warranty items.
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1603926
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1469927