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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, 2017 MINI Cooper, 2016 MINI Cooper, and 2015 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Necessary preliminary tasks :

Remove FRONT WHEEL .
Remove FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .

Removal :

Fig 1: Track Rod And Slacken Nut

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Slacken nut (1).

Release track rod (2) from swivel bearing.

Fig 2: Track Rod End And Screw

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Mark thread depth of track rod end to simplify subsequent adjustment of front axle.

Release screw (1).

Unscrew track rod end (2).

Counterhold track rod with open-end spanner if necessary.

Clean track rod.

Release EAR CLIP (1).

Fig 3: Gaiter And Ear Clip

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Fig 4: Detaching Gaiter From Track Rod

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

Installation :

Clean track rod and apply grease to taper.

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

Fig 5: Grease Track Rod Gaiter

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This ensures that the gaiter is not rotated when the track rod is rotated.

Clean the rack of the steering gear and check surface for damage (e.g. by corrosion).

Grease rack (Lubricating grease FB-1: part number part number 2 208 093).

Fig 6: Detaching Gaiter From Track Rod

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Position the gaiter (2) on the track rod.

Mount band clamp (1).

Position the gaiter (2) on the steering gear.

Part : Release ear clip (1).

Mount EAR CLAMP (1).

Fig 7: Gaiter And Ear Clip

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Fig 8: Track Rod End And Screw

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Screw the track rod end (2) onto the track rod up to the mark.

Counterhold track rod with open-end spanner if necessary.

Tighten screw (1).

Tightening torque 32 21 2AZ .

Keep track rod end to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Insert track rod (2) into swivel bearing.

Part : Replace nut (1).

Tighten nut (1).

Tightening torque 32 21 1AZ .

Fig 9: Track Rod And Slacken Nut

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Required follow-up work :