How to change track rod end on BMW X3 E83 – replacement guide

Secure the wheels with chocks.

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts.Use wheel impact socket #17.

Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

Remove the wheel.

Loosen the lock nut securing the tie rod end to the tie rod.Use a combination spanner #24.Use a hammer.

Clean the fastener connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.

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.

Unscrew the end fastening nut to the steering knuckle.Use a drive socket #22.Use a ratchet wrench.

Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.Use a ball joint puller.Use a hammer.

Screw the end out of the tie rod.Use a combination spanner #13.Use a combination spanner #21.

Clean the mounting seats of the tie rod end.Use a wire brush.Use WD-40 spray.

Treat the mounting seats of the tie rod end.Use copper grease.

Screw on a new tie rod end.

Connect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.

Tighten the tie rod end locknut.Use a combination spanner #13.Use a combination spanner #24.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 65 nm torque.

Tighten the fastening nut connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.Use a drive socket #22.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 70 nm torque.

Treat the fastener connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.Use copper grease.

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.

Clean the brake disk surface.Use a brake cleaner.

Install the wheel.

Screw in the wheel bolts.Use wheel impact socket #17.

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts.Use wheel impact socket #17.Use a torque wrench.Tighten it to 120 nm torque.

Remove the jacks and chocks.