Do you guys usually change the center tie-rod/center link? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

camlob · 17th January 2008, 10:32

My car is in the garage and is waiting for me to purchase a center tie-rod/center link. I already bought the upper and lower control arms, stabilizer links & tie-rods. I didnt buy the center link since it appeared to me to be not too critical. You guys think I just should go ahead and buy it?

The car didnt have a front shimmy prior to this repair. I just wanted to freshen up the front end. Thanks gents!

Sebring NL · 17th January 2008, 11:34

Replace all. Leaving one old bit in place will amplify any existing problems in it

davidoli · 17th January 2008, 13:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sebring NL

Replace all. Leaving one old bit in place will amplify any existing problems in it

Agree 100% .......

Leaving the old part on would be like meeting a fantastic honey , sweet talking her , arranging a date , having a shower , ironing your best shirt , putting on your most expensive cologne and then digging your , worn all last week , old underpants out of the wash basket to wear for the night !

Enjoy your car !

farrell · 17th January 2008, 13:26

What wears out on the centre tie rod ?

davidoli · 17th January 2008, 14:09

Faz , I'm sure that you are on a wind up but here goes :

the threads that harbour the pitman and steering arms and the metal itself has experienced fatigue as a result of encountering the forces that you are so familiar with .

Do you have a different recommendation ?

farrell · 17th January 2008, 19:06

I am all for replacing parts, even as a preventative measure.

Now, please don't shoot me.....
I dont believe the centre tie rod sees as much direct physical force as thought.
The most worn parts I have seen are tie rod end balljoints & the steering idler arm
bushing.
Its only an opinion but I believe the tie rod is not so prone to failure due to
the track rod end ball joints taking most of the load & the failure of these
parts precludes the loads going further.
The manner in which the steering idler arm is located into the subframe
crossmember puts the pressed bushing in harms way foremost when lateral
steering forces across the tie rod are discussed.

Again, because of this, I believe the centre tie road is quite insulated due
to other components in the steering system isolating it from the direct forces
that are absorbed by the track rods etc.

Lol
Farrell, sitting in garage with a flame suit on waiting for my flesh to melt !

mottati · 17th January 2008, 19:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by farrell

Lol
Farrell, sitting in garage with a flame suit on waiting for my flesh to melt !

but are you wearing clean underpants...

davidoli · 17th January 2008, 19:59

Faz , I hope that you are not questioning my obviously vastly superior engineering know how ?!

I must confess to simply ordering tie rod ends in my last consignment !

Stevie · 17th January 2008, 20:06

A pic beats a 1000 words. As the pin mounting the centre rod to arm of the rack had failed and allowed about 2"of play at the steeringwheel the whole lot was replaced. The photo is old, just posted to show the old parts mounted

farrell · 17th January 2008, 22:04

I remember this mentioned some time back.
Not good.

It looks like the ends of the pitman arm & steering idler arm are still attached
to the shanks of the centre tie rod.
Must be the pic.
Were there symptoms or was it catastrophic ?

Was curious how many the Cooper group had sold so I gave them a call just before
close.
No centre tie rods sold to customers since their computer records were
updated in 2001
2 used internally for BMW approved accident repairs..no date given.
Hardly conclusive, even though they cover the UK through a 17 dealership network.

I guess if private individuals want to change, then its all good.

I will wait to see the complete failure of this part as I can't diagnose
or profer info on something I have never personally seen.

Can't hurt to change it anyhow.