32 11... Replacing Gaiter For Electric Steering Gear (EPS) On Left Or Right

Spindle side: 

IMPORTANT:

The steering gear must be replaced If the corrosion on the spindle running surface has advanced to such an extent that the steering is acoustically conspicuous under load!

Adhere to the utmost cleanliness.

Do not regrease the spindle running surface. Sufficient special grease was used during assembly for lifetime filling.

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Gear (Spindle Side)

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Rack side: 

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Gear (Rack Side)

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Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove front assembly underside protection. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .

Clean tie rod.

Release band clamp (1).

Mark screw-in depth of tie rod (2) or count thread turns.

Unscrew bolt (3).

Twist tie rod (2) out of tie rod end (4).

Installation: 

Replace microencapsulated screw.

Tightening torque 32 21 2AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Band Clamp, Tie Rod, Tie Rod End & Bolt

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Release ear clamp  (1).

Detach gaiter (2) from tie rod (3).

Installation: 

Read and follow notes/information on spindle and rack sides at the beginning of this procedure.

Clean tie rod and apply grease to taper. This ensures that the gaiter is not rotated when the tie rod is rotated.

Fig 4: Detaching Gaiter From Tie Rod

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Release water drain valve (1) (20 A/F) and replace.

Installation: 

Fit O-ring (2).

Tightening torque 32 00 3AZ .

Fig 5: Identifying Water Drain Valve & O-Ring

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After installation: 

• Perform chassis alignment check  
• Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment. See ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTIVE FRONT STEERING  / STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT .