Herbmiester 935 Report post Posted July 11, 2021 My X5 40D is a bit vague up front. I have recently had a wheel alignment and the tyres are good so wondering if its time for new Tie rod ends. The internet suggests these can be the culprit but unsure what else I should be looking at. Car has 130k on the clock Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M3AN 4016 Report post Posted July 12, 2021 (edited) Vague could also be, perhaps even more likely, control arms. Forgive my ignorance but does it have electric or hydraulic power steering? With the engine on and wheels pointing straight how much/far can you move the steering wheel before the wheels move? If it's much more than the typical steering slack (let's say 5 degrees??? total) then the tierods could be the culprit. If you have two people then repeat the test with somebody eyeballing the tierods, do they move obviously before the wheel(s) move? If so, replace. edit: You need to look at both the push and the pull motions on each side. Wheels must be on the ground and suspension loaded for those basic tests to tell you anything. Edited July 13, 2021 by M3AN 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Palazzo 479 Report post Posted July 12, 2021 Control arms is a good punt at that mileage. To check at least. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gaz 1062 Report post Posted July 12, 2021 E70/f15 are heavy on the front lower control arms so agree to check them out 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herbmiester 935 Report post Posted July 13, 2021 Good advice, thanks fellas. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites