BMW X3 (F25) Service & Repair Manual: Steering arms, tie rods, steer. damper

• Instructions for removing and installing ear clips
• Removing and installing/replacing left or right track rod end
• Replacing (removing and installing) left or right track rod

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.

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

Attach hook fastener and press ear together with 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.

IMPORTANT: Gap (A) max. 1 mm!

Removing and installing/replacing left or right track rod end

Special tools required:

• 31 2 300

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

Necessary preliminary work:

• Remove FRONT WHEEL .

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

Check rubber boot and sliding ring for damage.

Do not pull stainless steel ring off journal.

If renewing swivel bearing, check seal seat of sliding ring between track rod and swivel bearing, replacing track rod end if necessary.

Loosen nut (1), gripping inner Torx socket if necessary.

Press track rod end (2) with special tool 31 2 300 off swivel bearing.

Unscrew nut (1).

Installation note:

Keep track rod end (2) to swivel bearing connection clean and free from oil and grease.

Replace self-locking nut.

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

Loosen nut (1).

Screw off track rod end; if necessary, grip track rod with open-end spanner.

Installation note:

Check GAITER for damage, replace if necessary.

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

After installation:

• Perform WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK.

Replacing (removing and installing) left or right track rod

Special tools required:

• 32 3 160

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 3 160 from rack of steering box.

Installation note:

Clean rack.

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

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
• 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)

After installation: Only if replacing/removing track rod end: Perform CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK.