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Home >> Mini >> 2009 >> Cooper S, 2D Convertible, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 228 (Steering Gear - Repair - Cooper (R50) , Cooper S (R53) & Convertible (R52)) >> Removal & Installation >> Steering Gear Gaiter (Boot) >> Removal & Installation

Removal & Installation

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Remove wheels. To avoid damage to rack and to suspension mounting, move rack in as far as possible. Clean rack and tie rod. Grease toothed area of rack. The steering gear must be replaced if the polished surface of the rack is damaged (rust). Release nut on tie rod end. Press out tie rod end with special tool. See Figure . Replace self-locking nut.

Apply a color marking (1) to tie rod. See Fig 1 . This simplifies the electronic wheel alignment check. Release lock nut and remove tie rod end and lock nut. Release remove gaiter. Replace tensioning straps.

Fig 1: Applying Color Marking To Tie Rod
G00396460Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tie rods with lock screw connection, tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  . See Fig 2 .

Fig 2: Identifying Tie Rod With Screw Connection
G00396461Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tie rods with clamping ring screw, tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  . See Fig 3 .

Fig 3: Identifying Tie Rod With Clamping Ring Screw
G00396462Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

During installation, grease tie rod at taper (1). See Fig 4 . This prevents the gaiter from rotating when the tie rod rotates. Fit gaiter and tensioning straps.

Fig 4: Identifying Taper
G00396463Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.