tie rod ends

[jrobie79]

found two sets of em on ebay for decent money, which is better, meyle or bruck? the brucks are 42 + shipping and the meyles are 66 + shipping

[stevofthahill]

Never heard of bruck before, but all the parts I've ever gone with have been meyle and haven't had any problems yet. They are OEM replacement.

[Jand3rson]

Meyle are fine, but if you can, go Lemforder. Never heard of Bruck, don't get them. Meyle is an OEM replacement, but Lemforder are OEM standard.

Is it just for the ends, or for the whole assembly that goes into the rack? Go for the whole inners/outers setup, you'll be better off. And while you're at it, replace your rack boots and clips.

[jrobie79]

Meyle are fine, but if you can, go Lemforder. Never heard of Bruck, don't get them. Meyle is an OEM replacement, but Lemforder are OEM standard.

Is it just for the ends, or for the whole assembly that goes into the rack? Go for the whole inners/outers setup, you'll be better off. And while you're at it, replace your rack boots and clips.

this is the auction i believe it is for the whole assembly, is it really that much of a difference with lemforder, and if so where could i find those for a good price?

here is the auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBI%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130135457320&rd=1,1

[Jand3rson]

Yup, that's the whole inner/outer set. The Meyle's will be fine, that's what my control arms are. But like I said, get new rack boots and clips, too. And be sure to find out if those rods come with the new locking clips for the inside of the spindle end, you'll need to replace them when you install the new rods.

[stevofthahill]

autohausaz

check here, they have both available. I order from these guys all the time, and it used to be nice cause they are local to me and had will-call available but they have stopped providing that service. But anything over $50 is free shipping.

[rThor432]

$65 inner and outer sounds good to me if it is the real deal. I got tie rods from the dealer today for $35 each, and that is just outer.

[stevofthahill]

$65 inner and outer sounds good to me if it is the real deal. I got tie rods from the dealer today for $35 each, and that is just outer.

I'm sorry sir, but you've been raped.

[naika]

I'm sorry sir, but you've been raped.

So true, just got my outer rods for something like $20 a pop from FAP99.com and delivered in less than 48hours.

[cory58]

I'm doing my tie rods for the first time this weekend and hope you all can help with a newbie question. Do I need a special tool to install the boot clamps? If not, how do I get them tight on the boot?

I ordered everything from Autohaus AZ. Great prices and free shipping.

Thanks, Cory

[long tall eta]

I'm doing my tie rods for the first time this weekend and hope you all can help with a newbie question. Do I need a special tool to install the boot clamps? If not, how do I get them tight on the boot?

I ordered everything from Autohaus AZ. Great prices and free shipping.

Thanks, Cory

yes, there is a special plier tool but i don't know what it's called. i just clipped mine on by hand as tight as i could get them and the next time it was in t5he shop i had the guy tighten them down. or, you can just use wire ties. thats what was on mine when i took the old boots off.

[Mr. Tasty]

I'm doing my tie rods for the first time this weekend and hope you all can help with a newbie question. Do I need a special tool to install the boot clamps? If not, how do I get them tight on the boot?

I ordered everything from Autohaus AZ. Great prices and free shipping.

Thanks, Cory

I used some thick zip ties.

[cory58]

Great info! Thanks.

Cory

[Eddie Haskell]

Use "Nipper Pliers" or barb wire nips to tighten the boot retainers. Don't get carried away and tighten them dick in zipper tight. When you do your ghetto driveway, jackstand, kitestring, ruler front end alighment if you tighten the boot retainer too tight its a bitch to rotate the adjuster and jack with the boot not slipping. If you get them tight but not Arnold Terminator tight it's a one hand job squirming under your vehicle.

BMW special application tool. AKA "Nippers".

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/pliers/10-inch-heavy-duty-end-nipper-38496.html

[cory58]

Thanks all. I'm in the middle of the job and just used some needle nose pliers to tighten the first boot clamp from the side. The Harbor Freight pliers would have been easier and, for $7.00, I think I'll get some for next time.

Another question: I just watched a YouTube video of some guy replacing an E36 tie rod. He said to pack the inner end of the boot with grease for the steering rack. I can't find any other reference to adding grease as part of a modern BMW tied rod replacement. Is this guy wrong?

Thanks, Cory