Tie Rod End — Removal and Installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Note: You will need a new hinge nut for installation.

Removal

1. Place chocks under the rear wheels and apply the parking brake. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on supports (see "Lifting and installing the car on supports"). Remove the corresponding wheel.

2. Place a mark on the steering rod and measure the distance between the mark and the axis of the ball joint of the tip (Fig. 25.2). This is necessary to maintain the wheel alignment angles after installing the tip.



3. While holding the steering rod, unscrew the end lock nut.

4. Unscrew the nut securing the ball joint pin to the steering knuckle. Disconnect the joint from the knuckle using a puller (Fig. 25.4).



5. Unscrew the tip from the steering rod, counting the number of turns before removing the tip.



6. Thoroughly clean the ball joint and the pin thread. If there is play in the joint or the joint is damaged, replace it. Carefully inspect the joint pin and its thread. If the joint boot is damaged, the joint must be replaced, since the boot cannot be replaced separately.

Installation

7. If necessary, transfer the bushing and locknut to the new tie rod end.

8. Screw the tip onto the steering rod, counting the number of turns (this number should be the same as when you removed it). This will prevent the wheel alignment angles from being disturbed. The distance from the mark made before removal to the hinge axis should also be the same as before removal.

9. Insert the ball joint pin into the steering knuckle, screw on a new nut and tighten it to the specified torque.

10. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel mounting bolts to the specified torque.

11. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front wheel alignment (see paragraph 28), then tighten the tip lock nut to the specified torque.