Just Replacing the Tie Rod Ends?

SaturnX · 11-25-2012, 07:56 PM

Hey Everyone!

So I just wanted to get some opinions. The ball joint on my left-side tie rod end is shot (completely my fault caused by frustration when I was swapping my axles - Canadian winters + salt wreak havoc on the undercarriage

)

I've finally got some time to get this fixed up so I was wondering if I should replace the ENTIRE tie rod assembly (Part #4) or can I get away with just replacing the tie rod end? (Part #6)

I've only got 61,000km (38,000 mi) on my '03 325xi and I'm confident on the condition of the inner rod and steering rack (mostly since I'm the reason the ball joint is shot,

).

It seems like just replacing the end would be quick and easy (and less $$$) as I just need to disconnect the end at the lock nut, put in the new one and get it aligned?

Thanks for the input!

717bimmerboym3 · 11-25-2012, 08:14 PM

In my opinion I would replace the ball joint and then see if there is any movement coming from the inner tie rod, if all the movement is on the outer just replace the outer and get your alignment checked IMO.

e46alfonso · 11-25-2012, 08:16 PM

I'd just replace the tie rod end IMO,xi tie rods seem to last a very long time.
Since you will need an alignment i'd also ditch the rubbery control arm bushings for the powerflex.

11-25-2012, 07:56 PM	#1
SaturnX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 52 My Ride: 2003 325xi View My Garage	Just Replacing the Tie Rod Ends? Hey Everyone! So I just wanted to get some opinions. The ball joint on my left-side tie rod end is shot (completely my fault caused by frustration when I was swapping my axles - Canadian winters + salt wreak havoc on the undercarriage ) I've finally got some time to get this fixed up so I was wondering if I should replace the ENTIRE tie rod assembly (Part #4) or can I get away with just replacing the tie rod end? (Part #6) I've only got 61,000km (38,000 mi) on my '03 325xi and I'm confident on the condition of the inner rod and steering rack (mostly since I'm the reason the ball joint is shot, ). It seems like just replacing the end would be quick and easy (and less $$$) as I just need to disconnect the end at the lock nut, put in the new one and get it aligned? Thanks for the input!

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11-25-2012, 08:14 PM	#2
717bimmerboym3 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: lancaster, pa Posts: 7 My Ride: 02 330xi, 98 m3 coup View My Garage	In my opinion I would replace the ball joint and then see if there is any movement coming from the inner tie rod, if all the movement is on the outer just replace the outer and get your alignment checked IMO.

11-25-2012, 08:16 PM	#3
e46alfonso Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Mass. Posts: 340 My Ride: AW 330xi manuel View My Garage	I'd just replace the tie rod end IMO,xi tie rods seem to last a very long time. Since you will need an alignment i'd also ditch the rubbery control arm bushings for the powerflex.