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

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

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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove tie rod end .

Clean tie rod.

Release ear clip (1).

Installation:

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

Grease rack.

Release ear clip (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Ear Clip

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release band clamp (1) and detach gaiter (2) from tie rod.

Installation:

Clean tie rod and apply grease to taper.

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

Fig 2: Releasing Band Clamp And Detaching Gaiter

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 .
Version with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment .

NOTE: Only cars with DSC are fitted with a steering angle sensor (integrated in the steering column switch cluster).