Tie Rod Ends

[TJ21]

Hey everyone,

Well I haven't posted or read much lately due to school starting and being busy... But today I decided to take off the wheels so I could learn how to use the factory jack, pressure wash them, check rotors and pads and check tie rods because my car still needs an alignment. What I found out was my tie rod ends are wasted but the brakes are fine. I had some questions and the first is, is there anything I need to know about doing like is there anything I should replace when I am doing this and are there any special tools? Also where is the best place to buy new ones? Thanks for the help in advance.

[Matt Z]

Tool: http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/steering/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-joint-separator-99849.html

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Parts: (do both sides) http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-tie-rod-assembly-32211135666my

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Alignment

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done

[Steve547i]

the first rule to using the factory jack is don't use it. Buy a lightweight aluminum race jack for the trunk and keep a single jack stand in there. The factory jack is called a suicide jack for a reason, probably.

[Ley3198]

Dunno why im telling you this, but the more you know the better.

After you buy a new jack, jack the front up enough to get the wheels of the ground. Grab the wheel at 9 and 3 o clock and shake it. If the tie rods are worn, you will feel play. Inner tie rods can also go bad but aren't visually noticeable. You might want to consider changing the whole thing out if they have never been done.

Good luck.

[TJ21]

Dunno why im telling you this, but the more you know the better. After you buy a new jack, jack the front up enough to get the wheels of the ground. Grab the wheel at 9 and 3 o clock and shake it. If the tie rods are worn, you will feel play. Inner tie rods can also go bad but aren't visually noticeable. You might want to consider changing the whole thing out if they have never been done. Good luck.

Did the 9 and 3 test while feeling the tie rod ends and the right front I believe is a lot looser but the other side is worn too. I don't know the history of the car so is there anyway to find out if the other is bad? Or how expensive and hard to fix are they? Thanks

[rex cars]

If one side is worn, the other side is probably in a similar condition. Shop around for prices. Often times a tie rod assembly is cheaper than the tie rod ends by themselves. Not a difficult job to do in the driveway. After you replace them drive directly to the alignment shop. Don't put off the alignment at all.

[TJ21]

If one side is worn, the other side is probably in a similar condition. Shop around for prices. Often times a tie rod assembly is cheaper than the tie rod ends by themselves. Not a difficult job to do in the driveway. After you replace them drive directly to the alignment shop. Don't put off the alignment at all.

Great to hear, thanks

[atl530i]

Don't wait... This was on my 525i. Dumb previous owner.

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo149/atl530i/e34%20525i/IMAG0295.jpghttp://i370.photobucket.com/albums/oo149/atl530i/e34%20525i/tierods.jpg