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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535i. 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 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION and 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 STEERING - 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: Detaching Gaiter From Tie Rod

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 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Carry out STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT /adjustment for ACTIVE FRONT STEERING