- 1). Park the BMW on a flat, lighted area. Loosen all lug nuts on the front wheels with a wrench. Lift the front of the car with a jack at a solid part of the vehicle, just behind the wheels. Lower the BMW onto two jack stands, just behind where you put the jacks. Remove the wheels and jack stands.
- 2). Locate the tie rod near the hub, directly behind the brake's dust shield. With a socket, remove the 16-mm lock nut holding the end of the tie rod securely to the suspension. Separate the tie rod from the suspension with the pickle fork by placing it between the rod and suspension. Pry the rod down until the end pops out from the suspension.
- 3). Measure the tie rod from the beginning of where the threads begin on the side of the rod that is threaded. This measurement doesn't have to be exact, but you will need to have it close enough so you can drive it to an alignment shop. Remove the metal ring holding the rubber dust boot at the end of the tie rod. This is located at the inside end of the rod, opposite to the end that bolts behind the wheel.
- 4). Bend the locking plate that stops the nut at the end of the rod from loosening. Loosen the nut at the end of the rod with a 32-mm wrench. The rod will loosen as the bolt turns. Remove the rod and the locking plate.
- 5). Fit a new locking plate by pushing the indent on the back to the sheet metal behind. Hold it in place with a hand while threading the inner tie rod. The tie rod comes in two pieces so you can adjust it to the ideal length. Tighten the nut on the tie rod to 53 ft/lbs.
- 6). Bend the lock plate onto a flat surface at the end of the rod's nut. Place the rubber back on the end of the rod and firmly clamp the metal ring to secure the boot.
- 7). Screw in the two locking nuts to the inner rod. Place the larger one near the inside of the car. Thread the inner tie rod to the outer rod. Screw a ball joint to the end of the outer rod.
- 8). Adjust the tied rod's length by ensuring the locking nuts holding the outer and inner rods together are loose. Turn the outer rod to adjust length. Tighten the nut to 26 ft/lbs. Screw in a ball joint to the suspension. Tighten to 33 ft/lbs.
- 9). Reinstall the wheels and lower the car. Repeat steps two to eight on the back of the BMW. Take the car to an alignment shop before driving extensively.
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