BMW 550i xDrive Tie Rod End Replacement at your home or office.

How do mechanics replace tie rod ends?

• The vehicle is jacked up and supported on steel safety stands.
• The tire and wheel assembly is removed.
• If possible, the existing tie rod end length is measured and recorded. Installing the new tie rod at the same length as the old helps in the alignment process.
• The tie rod end adjusting lock nut or sleeve is loosened. Then, a tie end removal tool is used to separate the tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle. The tie rod is then unthreaded from its connection to the inner tie rod end.
  
• On a rack and pinion type steering system, if an inner tie rod end is being replaced, the tie rod steering shaft boot is removed and the tie rod unthreaded from the steering rack and the outer tie rod end.
• New tie rod ends are installed with all fasteners and the adjusting lock nut tightened to the required OEM torque value. During installation, the length recorded during removal is applied to aid the later wheel alignment process.
• With only a few exceptions, anytime a suspension component is removed and replaced on your car, the vehicle alignment must be inspected, measured, and adjusted to factory specifications. Using portable equipment, some mobile mechanics can perform a mobile alignment at your location. More likely though, the final step will be a trip to a local alignment shop for measurement, and adjustment as needed, of the vehicle alignment.