[chinko]

My passenger side tie rod is loose, I can feel it when going into irregular roads and the driver side wheel is the only one moving, but it doesnt happen when going over speed bumps (both wheels are moved). My indy confirmed it.

Question is: I read it could cause irregular tire wear, but can I wait a few weeks or should I change it ASAP? Do I absolutely need to change both at the same time?
Just had my rear lower ball joint changed and still didn't so the alignment, but I'm going on a road trip this wkd.

[feuer]

You don't have to replace both at once. Replacing only one is absolutely fine. The passenger went out first probably because on your roads there is where the most potholes are. If is high mileage car is recommended to replace both so you don't have to do alignment twice.
You can drive like that for a while and make the trip but it will wear out your tires faster. Same if you replace it but don't align the front end.

[chinko]

Thanks for confirming Feuer, I was worried for a long distance ride.
I meant to say driver side. Not sure why it went out as passenger side on my fingers.

The car is about 85k miles, but I intend to sell the car... Trying to keep it minimal. Will the slight loose on the Tie rod affect alignment if don't fix it and go with alignment? Asking, because messing with the eccentric bolt made my steering wheel go 40° left, I can temporarily fix it by adjusting the eccentric bolt but will have to get alignement and tell them to torque it back to correct torque.

[feuer]

wait. is this the front or the rear?

[chinko]

Originally Posted by feuer

wait. is this the front or the rear?

It's the front driver side Tie Rod.

Eccentric bolt I was mentioning is the rear driver side.

[feuer]

Got it. Thank you for clarifying. Just drive it until you are ready to do the repair. Be ready for possible tire wear.

[chinko]

Tried to remove them today, just couldn't move the adjustment bolt. Again all seized up and even PB blaster for 1hour couldn't make it budge. Is loosening the adjustment bolt mandatory or is there another way to remove the tie rod?

I'm following http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...eplacement.htm and am stuck at step 2.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by chinko

Tried to remove them today, just couldn't move the adjustment bolt. Again all seized up and even PB blaster for 1hour couldn't make it budge. Is loosening the adjustment bolt mandatory or is there another way to remove the tie rod?

I'm following http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...eplacement.htm and am stuck at step 2.

I had to use torch on my ow car and also another e92 335i that I''m still currently working on. Very Tipical for vehicles driven in Northern regions with a lot of salt in winter.
Same reason why you have issue tightening the eccentric bolt on the rear as well.

[chinko]

Torches scare me for some reason, something about not being sure how to apply it w/out breaking or burning something else. Only torch I have is one for crème brûle . Might just give up and pay my indy.
Seized balljoint, now seized ajustment bolt, damn!

[feuer]

I have experienced it first hand. That is how I lost my e36 back in 2012 hence my pseudonym Feuer
Good idea, if you are not comfortable simply take it to your trusted Indy.

[chinko]

Quick update:
I didn't want to change my nickname to Feuer, so I gave up and went to the indy. He pulled out his Acetylene torch and did both side in 1.5hrs, which is pretty decent. Total was 460$ CAD for Lemforder Tie-Rods installed and alignment. Car drives perfectly now, very firm steering and feel.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by chinko

Quick update:
I didn't want to change my nickname to Feuer, so I gave up and went to the indy. He pulled out his Acetylene torch and did both side in 1.5hrs, which is pretty decent. Total was 460$ CAD for Lemforder Tie-Rods installed and alignment. Car drives perfectly now, very firm steering and feel.

That is $350 US not bad at all for new tie rods + labor + alignment
I'm really glad your car driver perfectly now. Enjoy it!

[chinko]

Originally Posted by feuer

That is $350 US not bad at all for new tie rods + labor + alignment
I'm really glad your car driver perfectly now. Enjoy it!

Wow, didn't realize USD went up that much, 1.30! Used to be at par like 1-2 years ago. I'll sure enjoy it, thanks! I intend to sell the car, so next owner going to be a lucky owner. Everything is so well maintained and everything that should get changed at 140000KM is changed.