32 11 100 Replacing gaiter for steering gear on left or right

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: The power steering gear must be replaced if the polished surface of the rack is damaged (e.g. by corrosion)!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove tie rod end .
Remove underbody protective plate . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION and 51 47 491 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
If necessary, remove steering gear cover at side.

Clean tie rod.

Release band clamp (1) and ear clip (3).

Detach gaiter (2) from tie rod.

Installation:

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

Grease rack (refer to OPERATING FLUIDS ).

Clean tie rod and apply grease to taper.

NOTE: This ensures that the gaiter is not rotated when the tie rod is rotated.

Fig 1: Identifying Band Clamp, Gaiter And Clip

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace and grease O-ring (1).

Fig 2: Identifying O-Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Perform chassis alignment check . See 32 00 150 KDS chassis/wheel alignment check with load up to design position or 32 00 155 KDS chassis/wheel alignment check with ride-height measurement without load .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See 32 10 005 Adjustment for active front steering .