BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual: Replacing (removing and installing) left or right track rod

Special tools required:

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

Necessary preliminary work:

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).

Suspension

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)

Suspension

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

Special tools required: 31 2 300 NOTE: If the track rod end to track rod screw connection is released, it is necessary after reinstallation ...

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BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual > Condition based service (applies to certain vehicles only) - service bulletin si b 00 07 02 (2/2009): E65 and e65 service indication
The service indicators can be displayed in three different locations inside the vehicle: A. The Service Need Display (SBA) , located in the Instrument Cluster under the Speedometer, is the evolution of the SIA4 Service Interval Display. When the ignition (KL15 Terminal) is on, the SBA appears b ...

BMW X3 Owners Manual