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Steering column assembly

Steering column assembly

Warning

The collapsible steering column must be handled with care. If it is knocked or treated roughly, the preset length of the telescopic section could be altered and the energy-absorbing properties of the column impaired.

Under no circumstances should the steering column shaft be separated or taken apart.

When fitting the steering column, make absolutely sure that the intermediate shaft slides fully home on the pinion shaft so that the pinch bolt is lined up with the hole in the shaft. The universal joint should normally slide easily onto the shaft. If it does not, never tap or hammer the top of the steering column. The same applies when removing or fitting the steering wheel. Never try to tap or hammer the steering wheel on or off.

When the car is raised off the floor, never forcibly swivel the front wheels to full lock as this could easily result in serious damage to the steering system. With rack-and-pinion steering, swivelling a road wheel will cause the steering wheel to spin and build up considerable inertial force. This exerts a powerful torsional stress on the steering column when its rotation is arrested by the stop in the steering gear.


Adapting a new steering column

When changing the steering column on cars within the following VIN ranges

LHD up to W3056304

RHD up to W3056253

the new steering column must be modified as described below.


1. Fix the new steering column in a vice.

2. Protect the steering shaft bearing so that it is not damaged by swarf.

3. File away the code on the steering column shaft.



To remove



1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.

2. Remove the steering wheel airbag unit. Place the airbag unit metal case side down.

3. Remove the steering wheel nut and lift off the steering wheel.

4. Release the steering wheel adjustment lever.

5. Remove the steering column cowls.


6. Remove the steering column switches and unplug the connectors.

7. Unplug the connectors of the coil spring unit.

8. Remove the holder for the coil spring unit and the steering wheel stalk switches.

9. Remove the lower part of the dashboard on the driver's side.


10. Remove the bolt securing the steering column shaft to the steering gear and push the steering column shaft upwards, withdrawing it from the steering gear.


Warning

Under no circumstances is the steering shaft to be separated.


11. Undo the lower bolt on the steering column. The bolt cannot be removed in this position.

12. Remove any cable ties and the like securing the wiring harness, and bend the harness aside.

13. Work the dust excluder (gaiter) over the steering wheel adjustment lever so that the lever comes out through the same hole as the steering column shaft.

14. Remove the upper bolts of the steering column assembly and lift out the assembly.

Warning

Under no circumstances is the steering shaft to be separated.



To fit



1. Fit the lower retaining bolt in the steering column assembly and position the assembly with the wiring harness below and to the right of the steering column shaft. Screw the bolt in a few turns but do not tighten it.

2. Tighten the upper retaining bolts of the steering column assembly.

Tightening torque 25 Nm (20 lbf ft).

3. Tighten the lower retaining bolts of the steering column assembly.

Tightening torque 25 Nm (20 lbf ft).

Important

The groove for the bolt in the pinion shaft.


4. Couple the steering column shaft to the steering gear and tighten the bolt securing them to each other. Make sure that the steering gear bolt enters the milled groove on the pinion shaft.

Warning

Under no circumstances is the steering shaft to be separated.


Tightening torque 30 Nm (25 lbf ft).

5. Fit the wiring harness in place and fasten it to the steering column assembly.

6. Lift the dust excluder (gaiter) over the steering wheel adjustment lever, so that the lever protrudes from its hole in the excluder.


7. Fit the holder for the coil spring unit and the steering wheel stalk switches with the groove facing outwards.

8. Plug in the coil spring unit.


9. Plug in the steering wheel stalk switches and fit them in place.

10. Refit the steering column cowls.

11. Turn the coil spring unit to its stop and then back two turns.

12. Fit the steering wheel and tighten the nut to torque.


Important

Locating groove in steering wheel mounting.


Tightening torque 30 Nm (25 lbf ft).

13. Fit the airbag.

14. Refit the lower part of the dashboard on the driver's side.