Steering Rack (RWD) - Remove and Replace: Install
- Loosen the jamb nut to the LH tie rod end on the new steering gear assembly.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 21 mm combination wrench
- 14 mm combination wrench
- Remove the LH outer tie rod end from the new steering gear assembly.
- With assistance, fully disperse the pressure of the steering rack to the RH side
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- Combination 12pt 15 mm wrench
- Position the steering gear assembly into the vehicleNOTE: Position the RH side of the steering gear assembly into the underhood storage area first, and then slide the LH side into the vehicle.
- Loosely install the inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
- Install the outer bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe. For older M3 vehicles with 13 mm bolts:
27 N.m (19.9 ft-lbs)
For newer M3 vehicles with 15 mm bolts:
47 Nm (34.7 lbs-ft)
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 13 mm socket
- Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
- 11 in extension
or
- 15 mm socket
- Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
- 11 in extension
- Tighten the inner bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the front subframe.
75 N.m (55.3 ft-lbs)
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 18 mm socket
- 6 in extension
- Position the fan assembly back into its original position.
- Use an open-ended wrench counterclockwise to decompress the LH side of the steering gear assembly and verify both LH and RH tie rod ends are evenly distributed as possible.
- Slide the electric steering column downward to install it onto the steering gear assembly.
Tip: Make sure the intermediate shaft is aligned and fully seated.
- Install the bolt that attaches the steering gear assembly to the electric steering column.
18 Nm (13.3 lbs-ft)
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 13 mm socket
- Connect the logic connectors below the steering gear, and then engage the connector locks.
- Connect the steering gear assembly connectors, and then engage the connector locks.
- Install the radiator inlet hose onto the superbottle, and then fasten the clip that attaches the hose to the superbottle.NOTE: Place absorbent material below the hose to avoid coolant on the steering gear connections.
- Install the radiator outlet hose onto the superbottle, and then fasten the clip that attaches hose to the superbottle.NOTE: Place absorbent material below the hose to avoid coolant on the steering gear connections.
- Install the bolts (x2) that attach the cooling fan module assembly to the front end carrier.
10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
NOTE: Recommend an assistant to support the cooling fan module assembly.Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 8 mm socket
- Position the underhood storage unit reinforcement bracket onto the cooling fan, and then install the fasteners that attach the bracket to the assembly.
16 N.m (11.8 ft-lbs)
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm socket
- 2 in extension
- Connect 12V power. See 12V/LV POWER (DISCONNECT AND CONNECT) .
- Install the front underhood storage. See UNDERHOOD STORAGE UNIT (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
- Install the cabin intake duct. See DUCT - CABIN INTAKE (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
- Install the rear underhood apron. See UNDERHOOD APRON - REAR (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
- Partially raise the vehicle.
- Position the RH tie rod end onto the RH front knuckle, and then install a new nut that attaches the tie rod and to the knuckle.
180 N.m (132.7 ft-lbs)
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm 12pt combination wrench
- 22 mm 12pt combination wrench
- 3 in extension
- Install the LH tie rod end to the steering gear assembly.NOTE: Record the number of turns during removal.
- Install a new nut that attaches the LH tie rod end to the LH front suspension knuckle.
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- 10 mm 12pt combination wrench
- 22 mm 12pt combination wrench
- 3 in extension
- Tighten the jamb nut onto the LH outer tie rod end.
80 N.m (59.0 ft-lbs)
Tip: Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
- Combination 12pt 21 mm wrench
- Wheel alignment torque wrench kit
- Install the wheel cap, if equipped. See CAP - WHEEL (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
- Install the front wheels. See WHEEL (REMOVE AND INSTALL) .
- Remove the steering wheel holder and steering wheel level from the vehicle.
- Install the 2nd row lower seat cushion. See SEAT CUSHION - LOWER - 2ND ROW (REMOVE AND REPLACE) .
- Move the front seats to the original positions.
- Reinstall firmware via touchscreen. See Software Reinstall - Touchscreen .
- Raise all windows and close all doors.
- Remove the vehicle from the lift. See RAISE VEHICLE - 2 POST LIFT .
- Refer to the Alignment Requirement tables to determine whether an EPAS alignment check (EC) or four wheel alignment check (AC) is necessary. If performed, add the alignment check/adjust as a separate activity. See Alignment Requirement - Suspension .