BMW X5: Steering Arms, Tie Rod

REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD

Special tools required:

• 31 2 240
• 31 2 246

NOTE: If the tie rod end to tie rod screw/bolt connection is released, it is necessary after reinstallation to carry out a wheel/chassis alignment check.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Remove front wheel

IMPORTANT: Do not release tie rod end from swivel bearing with impact tool.

Rubber gaiter of tie rod end must not be damaged! Do not pull stainless steel ring off journal.

Slacken nut (1) two to three thread turns.

If necessary, replace lower section 31 2 242 with lower section 31 2 246.

Press tie rod end (2) with special tool 31 2 240 off swivel bearing.

Unscrew nut (1) and remove tie rod end (2) from swivel bearing.

Installation:

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

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 32 21 3AZ.

Fig. 42: Identifying Tie Rod End, Nut And Special Tool (31 2 240)

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

Slacken nut.

Unscrew tie rod end from tie rod.

Installation:

Check gaiter for damage, replace if necessary.

Refit clamping ring (1).

Screw in tie rod end to measurement (A).

Tightening torque 32 21 2AZ.

Fig. 43: Identifying Length Between Front Axle And Slacken Nut

After installation:

• Perform CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK.
• Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering.

REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TIE ROD

Special tools required:

• 32 3 160

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.

Unscrew tie rod with special tool 32 3 160 from rack of power steering gear and remove.

Installation:

Clean rack and check surface for damage (e.g. by corrosion).

Grease rack.

Tightening torque 32 21 1AZ.

Fig. 44: Identifying Special Tool (32 2 160)

Assembling new component with gaiter:

Slacken clamping nut (2).

Screw off tie rod end; if necessary, grip tie rod with open-end wrench.

Remove clamping ring (1) and screw off clamping nut (2).

Slide gaiter (4) and band clamp (3) onto tie rod.

Screw clamping nut (2) onto tie rod.

Slide clamping ring (1) onto tie rod.

Determine measurement (A) on old part to simplify following adjustment of front axle.

Screw tie rod end onto tie rod to measurement (A).

Tighten down clamping nut (2).

Tightening torque 32 21 2AZ.

Fig. 45: Identifying Clamping Nut, Ring, Gaiter And Band Clamp

After installation:

• Perform CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK
• Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment/adjustment for active front steering.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOVING AND INSTALLING EAR CLIPS

Special tools required:

• 32 1 260

NOTE: The work steps are show on assorted components.

Ear clip must always be replaced.

To remove an ear clip, place special tool 32 1 260 at right angles to ear and cut ear open.

Fig. 46: Identifying Special Tool (32 2 160)

The ear clip can be fitted not only axially but also radially after the hook fastener has been opened.

Fig. 47: Identifying Ear Clip

Attach hook fastener and press ear together with special tool 32 1 260.

Fig. 48: Identifying Special Tool (32 2 160)

Side cutter of special tool 32 1 260 can be used in areas which are difficult to access.

Fig. 49: Identifying Special Tool (32 2 160)

IMPORTANT: Gap (A) max. 1 mm!

Fig. 50: Identifying Ear Clip Gap

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