How to Replace Front Outer Tie Rod 01-05 BMW 325Xi

Difficulty: Advanced · About 75 min · Bmw 325xi

Replace the front outer tie rod on a 2001-2005 BMW 325Xi.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the 17mm lug bolts, then raise and support the car and pull the wheel.

2. Remove the old outer tie rod

   Loosen the jam nut with a 15/16 inch or 24mm wrench, remove the 18mm outer tie rod nut, free the tie rod end with a ball joint tool or by striking the knuckle, pull it from the knuckle, then unscrew the outer tie rod from the inner one using locking pliers if needed, counting the turns.

3. Install the new outer tie rod

   Grease the inner tie rod's threads, thread the new outer tie rod on using the same turn count, seat the end in the knuckle, install the 18mm nut (holding the stud with a hex key if it spins) and torque it to about 48 ft-lb, then tighten and torque the jam nut to about 33 ft-lb if accessible.

4. Reinstall the wheel

   Lift it onto the hub, thread the lug bolts by hand, lower the car with minimal weight on the wheel, then torque the lug bolts to about 95 ft-lb in a star pattern.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.