32 21 231 Replacing (Removing And Installing) Left Or Right Tie Rod

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5, 2012 BMW X5, and 2011 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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
Remove GAITER FROM POWER STEERING GEAR and slide back

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.

Installation:

Clean rack.

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

Grease rack (refer to OPERATING FLUIDS ).

Fig 1: Special Tool 32 3 160

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque: 32 21 1AZ .

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)

Fig 2: Gaiter, Band Clamp, Clamping Ring And Nut
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque: 32 21 2AZ .

After installation:

Only if replacing/removing tie rod end: Perform chassis alignment check . See KDS WHEEL ALIGNMENT WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT VEHICLE LOAD .
Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering . See CARRYING OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT or ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING .