BMW 7 Series: Steering Arms, Tie Rods, Steer. Damper

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOVING AND INSTALLING EAR CLIPS

Notes

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. 75: Removing Ear Clip Using Special Tool (32 1 260)

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

Fig. 76: Identifying Hook Fastener On Ear Clip

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

Fig. 77: Pressing Hook Fastener And Ear Clip Using Special Tool (32 1 260)

The diagonal cutting pliers of special tool 32 1 260 can be used in areas which are difficult to access.

Fig. 78: Removing Ear Clip Using Special Tool (32 1 260)

IMPORTANT: Gap (A) max. 1 mm!

Fig. 79: Identifying Ear Clip Gap

REPLACING (REMOVING AND INSTALLING) LEFT OR RIGHT TRACK ROD

Notes

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

Necessary preliminary work

• Remove TRACK ROD END FROM SWIVEL BEARING
• Remove GAITER FROM STEERING BOX and slide back

IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to rack and to suspension mounting, move rack in as far as possible.

Unscrew track rod with special tool 32 3 220 from rack of steering box.

Installation note: Clean rack.

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

Grease rack (refer to STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - OPERATING FLUIDS ).

Fig. 80: Removing Track Rod Using Special Tool (32 3 220)

Tightening torque 32 21 1AZ.

On replacement, assemble new part with gaiter

• Determine dimension (A) on used part to simplify following adjustment of front axle
• Slacken clamping nut (2)
• Screw off track rod end; if necessary, grip track rod with open-end spanner
• Remove clamping ring (1) and screw off clamping nut (2)
• Slide gaiter (4) and ear clamp and band clamp (3) onto track rod

Fig. 81: Identifying Track Rod Clamping Ring, Nut, Gaiter And Band Clamp

• Slide clamping nut (2) and clamping ring (1) onto track rod
• Screw track rod end onto track rod to dimension (A)
• Tighten down clamping nut (2)
  Tightening torque 32 21 2AZ.

After installation

• Only if replacing/removing track rod end: Perform CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK

REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TRACK ROD END

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

Release nut (1) and remove track rod end (2) from swivel bearing.

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

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque 32 21 3AZ.

Fig. 82: Identifying Track Rod End With Nut

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

Slacken nut and clamping ring.

Unscrew track rod end from track rod.

Installation note: Check GAITER for damage, replace if necessary.

Refit clamping ring (1).

Screw track rod end onto track rod to dimension (A).

Tightening torque 32 21 2AZ.

Fig. 83: Identifying Track Rod End Tightening Dimension On Track Rod

After installation

• Perform chassis/wheel alignment check.

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