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Thread: '00 323Ci front drive axle maybe

  1. #1
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    '00 323Ci front drive axle maybe

    The boot on the drivers side is split open and may have broken worse today. I have been hearing a rattling sound and more recently a winding sound that was on that side. There was a shattering/breaking sound this evening while driving. Turning radius now seems to be more limited. Will be looking at DIYs and figuring out next steps. Any advice on brands or recommendations are appreciated.

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    Jeremy
    2000 323Ci Titansilber Metallic cabriolet

  2. #2
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    Looks like it is this.

    https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=32_1169

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    Jeremy
    2000 323Ci Titansilber Metallic cabriolet

  3. #3
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    The constant velocity joint is likely toast. That means it’s time for a new axle. If you plan on keeping the car for more than a year you should buy an axle made by GKN. It’s tge supplier to BMW.
    Last edited by MarcoZandrini; 09-27-2018 at 09:35 AM.

  4. #4
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    323Ci doesn't have front drive axles. There were no AWD E46 coupes. What you are showing in the realoem link is a steering rack (which is maybe what you meant just with the wrong terminology). A picture of the damage would help diagnose.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by CT Sean View Post
    323Ci doesn't have front drive axles. There were no AWD E46 coupes. What you are showing in the realoem link is a steering rack (which is maybe what you meant just with the wrong terminology). A picture of the damage would help diagnose.
    Yes, I should have known it was not a drive axle. Will send a pic. Wondering if I need to replace the rack or repack the boot.

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    Jeremy
    2000 323Ci Titansilber Metallic cabriolet

  6. #6
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    What are the symptoms? Is the rack leaking fluid?

  7. #7
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    Not leaking fluid that I have seen, though I should check the level. Difficulty steering and definitely reduced turning radius. The boot on the drivers side is torn open.

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    Jeremy
    2000 323Ci Titansilber Metallic cabriolet

  8. #8
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    https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url...9&share_type=t

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    Jeremy
    2000 323Ci Titansilber Metallic cabriolet

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by JCC511 View Post
    Not leaking fluid that I have seen, though I should check the level. Difficulty steering and definitely reduced turning radius. The boot on the drivers side is torn open.

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    The boot is just for protection, doesnt 'hold' anything.

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    Gave away my BMWs, driving a VW and an Audi now.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by JCC511 View Post
    Looks like it is this.

    https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=32_1169

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    Yes, it may be the steering rack in the link you posted.

    https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=32_0940
    Or,
    only require replacement of the tie-rod assemblies.
    The rubber boot prevents contamination of the rack and assembly lubricant.
    As was mentioned, they are not referred to as axles,
    but as tie-rod assemblies, which consist of an inner & outer tie-rod, actuated by the steering rack-turning the wheels left/right.

  11. #11
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    Thank you both. Some boots hold grease and I thought this may have been the same. Good to know. Had the serpentine belt break possibly due to the power steering pump pulley breaking. Since I have replaced the pulley and belt, steering has been fine. Still may need some things repaired/replaced, but working well as far as I can tell.

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    Jeremy
    2000 323Ci Titansilber Metallic cabriolet

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