Inner and outer tie rod replacement!

[prmoorman1]

I have a 97 528i, in replacing the driver side inner and outer tie rod, is it
necessary to have a tie rod removal tool, and how much trouble is it for
a do it yourselfer? I just had a guy replace the dust cover,and upon
having it aligned I was told the tie rod had some play, not like the other
side. Another question,in taking the dust cover off again,will it have to be
replaced anew? Thanx

[darkhorse737]

depends on how well you are equipped... If u are going to replace it anyway, u can use an air hammer with a pickle fork attachment.

If you dnt have air tools but are savvy with the use of a heavy hammer, you can try the European way. Beat the tie rod socket(at the hub). a few solid blows on the lateral side should release the tie rod.

*take note of how far in(or out) your tie rod end sits on the tierod... and reinstall in the same measurement, more or less. That way ur tires won't stand too far inward or outward on your way to the alignment shop ;-)

[Dirty_Tool]

easy tiger, thats an aluminum hub. If you smack it with a hammer all you're going to do is indent the crap out of the hub. Id say you're 1st suggestion was better and to use a picklefork.if the tie rod has play its getting replaced anyway so no need to worry about damaging the boot. Also, im pretty sure 528i only has an outer tie rod, no inner.
Best Regards,

[prmoorman1]

I ordered from carsteering.com, and they informed me they only sold them
together, I personally don't know. The alignment guy told me I needed a
tie rod end, upon ordering it they said they sold them together, for $90,
what else could I do. I had just replaced the dust cover, will a new one be
required? Thanx

[darkhorse737]

whoops, youre right Dirty Tool... i forgot the hub is aluminum. I take back my 2nd suggestion, and stand corrected.

[darkhorse737]

Originally Posted by prmoorman1

I ordered from carsteering.com, and they informed me they only sold them
together, I personally don't know. The alignment guy told me I needed a
tie rod end, upon ordering it they said they sold them together, for $90,
what else could I do. I had just replaced the dust cover, will a new one be
required? Thanx

they should be available individually:

Speedy Car Parts - Tie Rod - 1997 BMW 528i

dust cover? u just replaced your rack & pinion right? u can, of course use the same one if you just replaced it. :-)

[prmoorman1]

Originally Posted by darkhorse737

they should be available individually:

Speedy Car Parts - Tie Rod - 1997 BMW 528i

dust cover? u just replaced your rack & pinion right? u can, of course use the same one if you just replaced it. :-)

No, I sent it back,found I had a clamp on the hose loose,so I had him replace
the torn dust cover. after getting it aligned, the guy told me the tie rod had
some play in it, so I need to know if the dust cover will have to be replaced
again? I don't know if they come off without tearing up.

[darkhorse737]

they'll come off and are reusable... the clamp though, you might need to replace.

[prmoorman1]

Originally Posted by darkhorse737

they'll come off and are reusable... the clamp though, you might need to replace.

I don't know where to get a clamp,separate,but, thanks Darkhorse!!!!