32 21 231 Replacing (removing and installing) left or right tie rod

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Special tools required:

32 3 210 . See STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - SPECIAL TOOLS -- CLUBMAN .

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.

Release joint with special tool 32 3 210 and 32 WAF socket (1) on steering gear rack.

Installation:

Clean rack.

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

Grease toothed area of rack.

Tightening torque 32 21 3AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (32 3 210)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

IMPORTANT: On vehicles with 18" tires and/or vehicles with Sport brake, if applicable, it will be necessary to install steering stop limiters to be ordered separately!

Slide both steering stop limiters (1) onto steering linkage.

Installation note: Deformation elements (2) must point to steering box (3).

Tightening torque 32 21 3AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Top Limiter, Deformation Elements, And Steering Gear

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

On replacement, assemble new part with gaiter:

Grease track rod where gaiter (1) is fitted with grease "Renolit JP 1619 part number 6 778 561".

Fig 3: Greasing Track Rod Where Gaiter Is Filled With Grease

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Determine measurement (A) to simplify following adjustment of front axle

Installation:

Slacken clamping screw (1) and screw off tie rod end.

Slide gaiter with ear clip and band clamp on tie rod.

Screw in tie rod end to measurement (A).

Tightening torque 32 21 2AZ .

Fig 4: Slacken Clamping Screw (1) And Screw Off Tie Rod End

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

After installation:

Only if replacing/removing tie rod end: 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).