Tie rods - BMW Forum

mech9T8 · 10-29-2005, 12:47 PM

So I go to the dealer to get an alignment (because they have a special) and they tell me they are not able to do it because the tie rods are seized. They also mentioned there is some play so they suggest to replace them.
Now the big question...how much.
Answer...$900 CAD.
That's just crazy. I found out parts are about $250 CAD. I want to try and do it myself. Anyone have a DIY to replace the tie rods?

Cruzin 323is · 10-29-2005, 01:57 PM

i bought my tierods on ebay... they are about 200 USD a piece... i got a pair on ebay for 60.. BRAND NEW...

edit.....wow, i am totally wrong... haha 50 bucks a piece...

mech9T8 · 10-29-2005, 02:30 PM

Did you put them in yourself?
If so, how?

mmendell · 10-29-2005, 09:07 PM

Check www.bavauto.com. I believe the entire tierod assembly is $50. They also have the boots, tierod end puller, etc. Stuff you might as well change since you've got it torn apart anyway. I'm fixing to change control arm assemblies, bushings, and tie rods in mine. Doesn't sound all that difficult. DIY's abound.

mm

Cruzin 323is · 10-30-2005, 12:05 AM

a word of advice on DIY on any kind of suspension work... when you are done working on your suspension... u will allways need an alignment... so you might as well have a mechanic put them in, then do an alignment..

mech9T8 · 10-30-2005, 09:12 AM

Mmendell, you mentioned that DIY's abound but I can't seem to find one. Do you know where I can find one?
Thanks.

bitcore · 10-30-2005, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruzin 323is

a word of advice on DIY on any kind of suspension work... when you are done working on your suspension... u will allways need an alignment... so you might as well have a mechanic put them in, then do an alignment..

...But then you pay the mechanic for the work, AND the alignment.... Do the work yourself = free, and alignment is like 50-100$ instead of 60$ an hour for labor and then an extra 50-100$ for an alignment anyways. It's not like the mechanic is gonna magically have it aligned when he installs it...

Yah, I can't wait to replace my control arms with offest M3 bushings myself, then drive an hour back to my home town and go to the alignment ship :P (all the jack equipment and tools are an hour away at my father's farm)

mech9T8 · 10-30-2005, 05:19 PM

So can anyone tell me what the installation torques are?

mmendell · 10-30-2005, 07:21 PM

Control arm replacement is at http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tech...eplacement.htm

I guess I haven't found a tierod FAQ, but it's pretty straightforward.

As far as DIY is concerned, I was quoted by a GOOD shop at $480 to replace one control arm, one tierod end, and then re-align. Since the ball joints on both sides are the same age, I can replace BOTH control arms, bushings, tierod assemblies myself for the less money, then pay them $60 for an alignment. I'll come as close as possible to the old tierod lengths when I put the new ones in, and drive it to the shop for the alignment.

mm