32 21 231 Replacing Left Or Right Tie Rod

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NOTE:

For Special Tool identification, see STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIAL TOOLS .

Special Tools Required:

32 3 160

IMPORTANT: The 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 from swivel bearing. Refer to 32 21 151 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD .
Remove gaiter from power steering gear and slide back. Refer to 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

Tightening torque, refer to 32 21 2AZ in STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 1: Tie Rod And Special Tool (32 3 160)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Clean rack.

Check surface of rack for damage (e.g. corrosion).

Replace O-ring (1).

Grease rack and O-ring (1). Refer to OPERATING FLUIDS .

Fig 2: Tie Rod O-Ring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

On replacement, assemble new part with gaiter:

Determine measurement (A) on old part to simplify following adjustment of front axle
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 ear clamp and band clamp (3) onto tie rod
Slide clamping nut (2) and clamping ring (1) onto tie rod
Screw tie rod end onto tie rod to measurement (A)
Tighten down clamping nut (2)

Tightening torque, refer to 32 21 5AZ in STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Removing Clamping Ring And Clamping Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After Installation:

Perform chassis alignment check. Refer to 32 00 150 STANDARD CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITH DIN LOAD and 32 00 155 CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment. Refer to 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .