Steering Part Confusion

[cowlum]

Hi

I found some slack between the pitman arm connected to my steering box and the centre tie rod. Is there simply a ball joint in there or do I need to buy an entire centre tie rod?

I cant really tell by looking at Real oem. I think it may be number 11

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=2211&mospid=47129&btnr=32_0969&hg=32&fg=05

any help here.

Thanks

Callum

[c.d.iesel]

the picture shoew the foam grease seal which is included with the new

tire rod/center rod, it's the ball and socket ends that

develops the play = if you have play there - simply replace both

tie rods and the center rod. If one

is worn - it's time to replace all 3-rods

WITH new ends. Pennies.

[BillWilliams]

http://www.bmwmobiletradition-online.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=2583&mospid=47141&btnr=32_0969&hg=32&fg=05

[cowlum]

You have me very confused.

What part number do I NEED to replace. I cant really justify replacing all components.

[KFunk]

You just need the center tie rod, which is part #32211103077 on max's page.

I recently bought one from AutohausAZ for like 60 bucks. If the outer tie rods are fairly new and seem to be tight, I'd leave them.

BUT, be careful not to destroy the boots/ball joints on them when you're trying to remove your center link. Many people beat it to death with a pickle fork separator, which destroys all the ball joints, so thats why they go ahead and replace everything.

But, in my opinion, its easiest and far more gentle on the ball joints to use the big hammer method, and skip the pickle fork separator.

It just takes some PB blaster soaking and a solid whack from a hammer on the SIDE of where the stud of the ball joint is inserted. A few solid whacks, and it shocks it loose and slides it right out with no damage to the ball joints.

[cowlum]

http://www.bmwmobiletradition-online.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=2583&mospid=47141&btnr=32_0969&hg=32&fg=05

Hi

Do you deliver to NZ? what would be the cost in NZD + shiping to Auckland

cowlum@@xtra.co.nz

thanks

[BillWilliams]

(nt)

[cowlum]

Hey Bill

Have you had a chance to look into shipping costs?