i just r3ved it

[A_325i]

ok i got a question...in my crappy haynes manual it says how to replace the tierod end only....ok that doesnt help because my tierod is bent at the part that goes into the steering rack...bavauto has brand new one for $40 i will be doing them but i dont know the exact procedure to get the tierod out of the steering rack...is there any special tools that are required?...or do you just take off the boot and pull it out or what?

[PeaveyBassist]

Take off the wheel. Turn the steering wheel all the way left (when working on the driver's side) unbolt the tie rod from the strut. Its a 17mm nut. Then use a picklefork/big ass hammer (without the nut on the top) and beat the shit out of it to get the tie rod out of the strut. The tie rod should now only be connected to the steering rack. Undo the clamps or cut the zip ties on the boot and slide it off the end. There will be a gold colored lock plate on the inner tie rod. Get a flathead screwdriver and a hammer. Try to bang on the screwdriver so it bends up the tabs on the lock plate. It took me a while of hitting it but just keep going and youll get it. After the tabs are bent back use a pipe wrench or channel locks to start turning the tierod counter clockwise to get it off of the steering rack. Screw the new one on and with a NEW lock plate (about $0.50 each) bend the sides of it over so it keeps the tierod from turning. Slide the new boot (I used my old ones) onto the tie rod and use zip ties or clamps to hold it on there. Then push the ball joint stud up through the strut and bolt it on. Its a good idea to jack up the strut under the ball joint on the tie rod to keep the ball joint from spinning while you try to tighten it down. Once that is finished, turn the steering wheel back straight and put the wheel back on. Double check to make sure that the wheel is semi-straight ahead at least. Then take the car directly to an alignment place and get an alignment done. It took me about an hour and a half for each side to replace the tie rods in my driveway. The longest part for me was bending the lock plates back to get the tie rod free from the rack. Its VERY simple and easy. Make sure that when you order a new tie rod assembly you get a lock plate with it. Sorry for the long reply. Hopefully this explains it well enough for ya ;) But if it doesnt, go to http://www.e30tech.com/articles/steering/tierods/ that is the write up I used to change my tie rods. Good luck with it. Sorry to hear about the car.

Will

[A_325i]

thank you very very much

[wastedincome]

DUDE...............
I'm glad that by this late in the day you know you suck. I'm sorry it happend and sad that I got to see how sharp it looked last nite and knowing I tried to buy the air dam bout 12hrs before you R3v'd
REMEMBER Scott has allready said to just get the car to his shop and you'll have all the help and experence needed. I'll be there to help too

[A_325i]

yea but thats the problem i wont be able to get it to his garage until i get the tierods done..i cant afford to have it towed there my AAA wants $135 to tow it there and my mother wont get the plus membership ...so im gonna replace the tierods.....put my fucked up wheel back on and either drive down there or get someone to drive me down there but yea man now i regret not selling you the front air dam...hell if you want it you can have it...lol how about this ill tade you that valance you have for my front airdam...hell you might even be able to fix it...i dont see how it could possibly be fixed but you never know

[Digitalwave]

I'd be interested in buying the air dam.

[BMW BMXER]

Sorry to hear, car's fixable, air dams fixable (trust me thats easy to fix), and you can get some baller rims now and the bitches will be all over you.

Have a beer, or four.

Just dont drive.

[A_325i]

lol if you really wanna buy the front airdam...then be my guest you pay for shipping aswell...i HIGHLY doubt its fixable unless your really good with bondo/fiberglass im just gonna put a set of bottlecaps on for now and probably....and prolly get a late model valance and an is lip :-( im gonna miss the breyton air dam though

[DarkWing6]

at least try fixing it before you give up on the breyton. i really like the look of your car, and it will lose a lot without that airdam.

[Digitalwave]

at least try fixing it before you give up on the breyton. i really like the look of your car, and it will lose a lot without that airdam.

It's not authentic Breyton at least.

[A_325i]

so digital you want it or what? ill probably sell the rear apron as well then if i keep the car ill end up getting the full breyton kit later on

[UNHCLL]

I'll give you $50 for the airdam, and I'll pick it up. :D

[BMW BMXER]

lol if you really wanna buy the front airdam...then be my guest you pay for shipping aswell...i HIGHLY doubt its fixable unless your really good with bondo/fiberglass

It is. Someone buy it, wont work on my valence

[Digitalwave]

How much do you want for it?

[A_325i]

lol im not sure...make an offer i'd rather not ship it...