BMW e30 tierod replacment

This job is normally done in a shop however it can be done in the driveway as well but not as easily.

I assume you are replacing all four rod ends.

Before removing the tie rod assemblies, First loosen the adjusting nuts on the sleeves that lock the assembly adjustment length. Free up but do not change the adjustment of the sleeves.

The tie rods have a tapered portion that goes into the track rod and the wheel steering knuckle that need to be split apart after removing the retaining nut. This splitting can be done with a puller made for the job or something called a crows foot which is a wedge shaped fork that you hammer on to split the tie rod end taper from the track rod or knuckle. These tools can be rented. The fork is about $12

Once you have the tie rod assemblies off and on the bench, carefully measure the total length of the tie rod assemblies. Screw out the tie rod ends counting the turns and screw in the new ends the same number of turns. You will see that one of the ends is right hand thread and the other a left hand thread. Install the assemblies back on the car, first making sure the tapered area of all parts are very clean. Pull the nuts up to at least 30 foot pounds of torque ( 1 foot wrench pulled to thirty pounds force) or best to the manufacturers specification. Now measure the total length of the tie rods. and make them the same length as those you took off. If there is a difference in the lengths, split the difference in the numbers and make the lengths exactly equal. Lock up the adjusting sleeve nuts. Make sure the tie rods are locked in a position that they are free to swivel their full rotational potential. You are now finished except for alignment. Take the car immediately to an alignment shop and get at least the toe in set. This is what changes when doing this job. You must get this done or you will wipe out your front tires very quickly.

Good Luck