Removal and installation the steering rod end (BMW 3 Series E46)

Steering gear, covers and steering rods

Removal

1. Mark the position of the front wheel relative to the hub with paint. This will allow the balanced wheel to be installed in its original position. Loosen the wheel mounting bolts with the car on the ground. Raise the front of the car and remove the wheel.



2. Measure the dimension "A" between the joint and the end of the steering rod thread


"5" and write down the resulting value.

3. Loosen the clamp nut "1" of the tie rod end "2", refer to Section Front Wheel Alignment Checking the Wheel Alignment.



4. Unscrew the fastening nut "3" of the steering rod joint "4". 2 - steering rod end.



5. Remove the tie rod end using the HAZET779 –1 tool.

6. Unscrew the tip from the steering rod, while holding the rod with a wrench by the Allen key "5" to prevent it from turning.

When turning, count the number of turns and write down the obtained value. This will make it easier to adjust the front wheels later.

Installation

7. Install the clamping ring on the steering rod, if it was removed.

8. Screw on the tie rod end, the number of turns should be equal to the number of turns when removing. Check the dimension "A" obtained before removal.



9. If necessary, clean the steering rod joint pin and the hole in the steering knuckle from grease.

10. Insert the tie rod end and the hole into the steering knuckle. Screw a new self-locking nut onto the knuckle pin and tighten it to 65 N·m.

11. Tighten the tie rod end clamp nut to a torque of 80 N·m. At the same time, hold the rod from turning by the hexagon.

12. Reinstall the wheel so that the markings applied during removal match. Pre-lubricate the wheel disc seat on the hub with a thin layer of bearing grease. Do not lubricate the wheel mounting bolts. Replace rusty bolts with new ones. Secure the wheel with bolts. Lower the car onto the wheels and tighten the bolts crosswise to a torque of 100 N·m.

13. Check the track at a service station and adjust if necessary.