Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 540 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 528 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525 tds, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525 i, BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Track Rod End for 5 Touring (E39) and other BMW models
Tools
Replacement: track rod end – BMW 5 Touring (E39). List of the tools you'll need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Brake cleaner
Copper grease
Combination spanner #18
Combination spanner #23
Combination spanner #24
Drive socket # 18
Wheel impact socket #17
Torque wrench
Vernier caliper
Ball joint puller
Hydraulic transmission jack
Wheel chock
Replacement: track rod end – BMW 5 Touring (E39). Professionals recommend:
  • Replace tie rod ends in pairs.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the right and left tie rod ends.
  • Please note: all work on the car – BMW 5 Touring (E39) – should be done with the engine switched off.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Track Rod End on BMW E39 Touring 1996 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 5 Touring (E39) 530d 3.0 1997 Track Rod End - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 4
    BMW E39 Touring 525i 2.5 1998 Track Rod End replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: track rod end – BMW 5 Touring (E39). AUTODOC recommends:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Track Rod End on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 523 i 1999 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 520 i 2000 Track Rod End - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Clean the fastener connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Track Rod End on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 2001: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    When deinstalling, mark or measure the precise position of the ball joint on the track rod, or count the number of turns in order to prevent misalignment afterward. Use a vernier caliper.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Track Rod End replacement on BMW E39 Touring 530 i 2002 - download illustrated guide
    Loosen the lock nut securing the tie rod end to the tie rod. Use a combination spanner #23. Use a combination spanner #24.
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Track Rod End on BMW 5 SERIES 2003? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the end fastening nut to the steering knuckle. Use a combination spanner #18.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Track Rod End on BMW E39 Touring 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint puller.
  10. Step 11
    BMW 5 SERIES 530d 3.0 Track Rod End replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Track Rod End on BMW E39 Touring 1997 530d 3.0 by yourself
    Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
  12. Step 13
    5 Touring (E39) 520 i 1998 Track Rod End DIY replacement workshop manual
    Screw the end out of the tie rod. Use a combination spanner #24. Use a combination spanner #24.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Track Rod End on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 1999 - tips and tricks
    Clean the mounting seats of the tie rod end. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement BMW E39 Touring 2000 520 i Track Rod End
    Screw on a new tie rod end.
    Replacement: track rod end – BMW 5 Touring (E39). AUTODOC experts recommend:
    While installing the steering rod end remember to make the same number of turns or to leave the same length of thread showing as per your measurements.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Track Rod End on BMW 5 Touring (E39) 525d 2.5 2001 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Screw on the tie rod end jam nut. Use a combination spanner #24 (2 pieces).
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DIY BMW 5 Touring (E39) Track Rod End replacement - online guide
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