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Replacement of BMW 1 Series E87 steering head

Model: BMW Serie 1 E81, E82, MK 1, E87 - Years 2004-2013
Part: Checks and maintenance

In this video, we will see how to replace the steering head on a BMW 1 Series E87 version: we need to lift the car at the front and remove the front wheels. It may often happen that the parts to be removed are stuck, so it is advisable to clean them with a wire brush and then use a loosening agent; make a mark with a pen, between the tie rod and the steering head. Unlock the steering head support nut with a 50 torx key, which we will loosen with a 21 wrench and a 40 torx key, so that the pin can be removed. With a 21 wrench, holding the tie rod with a 13 wrench, unscrew the steering head. We need to count the necessary turns to remove it, and write them down. Measure the distance between the mark made earlier and the end of the tie rod with a caliper, in order to reposition it in the same place; clean the pin with fine sandpaper, then apply silicone grease to the flat part of the hub carrier. Now put the new steering head back in place, making the same number of turns that we did to remove the old one; screw the steering head nut back on, on the tie rod side, then reassemble the steering head on the pin, then tighten the nut to 165 Nm, and the tie rod to 40 Nm. We can put the wheels back on and lower the car.

Posted on 25 August 2025 by ScegliAuto

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