Tie rod assemblies

[paultv]

Just looking at realoem - the tie rod assemblies for left and right have different part numbers, but loads of them are listed by suppliers as L and R or some are left only/right only - so what gives - are they handed or not?

link for my car:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... 2111124540

item 4 and 14.

Paul

[martauto]

Just a guess but would it be for left /right hand drive cars ??

Mart.

[paultv]

No idea mate - the Lemforder are listed as front - whilst some other manufacturers items say left and right -really odd.

Anyhooo, I've got a pair of 10582-01 in their bags - I'll have a gander at the old ones on the car and see if they look identical - and measure up the same.

Paul

[Brianmoooore]

There are some E30 racks where they are the same both sides, and some where they aren't. If the example you give above is the rack fitted to your car, then they are different.
Those where they are the same use two of part 4.

[martauto]

Not sure if it would make any difference but somebody will come along and let us know.

Mart.

[paultv]

Thanks for that Brian, yes that's the listing for my vehicles VIN - and the parts list states 1 item each of 4 and 14 - so looks like I have a spare number 4.

great out driving today, 26C with the roof off - lovely!

Paul

[Brianmoooore]

There's a good chance that the rack you have isn't original. Many (if not most) have sprung a leak by now.
If the rubber boots on your rack are the same each side, then I think the rods are as well, but don't quote me.

[paultv]

The boots are certainly not original - tied on with plastic and rough round the edges, but also the same - I'll have to do a physical check tomorrow.

Paul

[paultv]

.... thanks for the help chaps - have a nice evening too.

Paul

[arrisbmw]

i think there must be some difference too, if your rack has a damper attached to it. that was confusing me when i thought i needed new tie rod ends.
if you look at part 14 its got the damper attached to it, but part 4 has not. (this is inners and outers. )
your notice on part 14 inner their is an extra rubber gaiter that covers the joint. you can,t see it very well in the diagram but can clearly be seen in the flesh.

[paultv]

OK, so this is the left lemforder item I found and you can see a rubber "damper"?

https://www.autoteile-meile.de/Autoteil ... 08181826:s

I wonder what it's supposed to do??

thanks

Paul

[arrisbmw]

no, no, thats not a damper . its the rubber boot that covers the ball joint on the inner end.
damper is connected to to left of that, see the realoem diagram on 1st page of this post item number 15.damper
connected to the rack via No 12.

look at your rack, to see if you have one fitted. your need it up in the air though

[paultv]

OK got it - gonna look into this in more detail.

thanks,

Paul