32 21 231 Replacing Left Or Right Tie Rod

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

32 3 160

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove tie rod end from swivel bearing . See 32 21 151 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD .
Remove gaiter from power steering gear and slide back. See 32 11 100 REPLACING GAITER FOR STEERING GEAR ON LEFT OR RIGHT .

IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to rack and to suspension mounting, move rack in as far as possible.

Unscrew tie rod with special tool 32 3 160 from rack of power steering gear and remove

Installation:

Clean rack and check surface for damage (e.g. by corrosion).

Grease rack (refer to OPERATING FLUIDS ).

Tightening torque 32 21 1AZ.

See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (32 2 160)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assembling new component with gaiter:

Slacken clamping nut (2).

Screw off tie rod end; if necessary, grip tie rod with open-end wrench.

Remove clamping ring (1) and screw off clamping nut (2).

Slide gaiter (4) and band clamp (3) onto tie rod.

Screw clamping nut (2) onto tie rod.

Slide clamping ring (1) onto tie rod.

Determine measurement (A) on old part to simplify following adjustment of front axle.

Screw tie rod end onto tie rod to measurement (A).

Tighten down clamping nut (2).

Tightening torque 32 21 2AZ.

See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 2: Identifying Clamping Nut, Ring, Gaiter And Band Clamp

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 32 10 005 ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING and 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .