Notes on steering gear/HCU/steering column/steering shaft replacement after accident damage

Steering gear facts:

In the event of accidents or driving conditions similar to accidents, shock-like loads can cause different types of damage to steering boxes. When a steering box is externally undamaged, it is sometimes only possible to identify damage with great difficulty and with great effort. However, this damage represents an unacceptable risk for the vehicle because it can result in the failure of the steering system.

Since a comprehensive check of all the separate components of the steering gear is generally not advisable due to the disproportionately high cost involved, the condition of other, easier-to-check components must be taken into account as an alternative.

Steering gear procedure:

The steering box must be replaced if one or more of the following points apply:

Visible or noticeable damage to the steering box
Version with electric steering box (EPS): Examine in particular the control unit with all plug connections for damage and hairline cracks.
Unacceptable torque increase and clamping when the steering box is turned from stop to stop (without hydraulic/electrical assistance)
Fire damage
Damage, permanent deformation or fractures to:
Wheel rims in the event of a negative result from the wheel alignment check
Spring struts, steering stub axles, wheel carriers
Wishbones
Struts or trailing links or anti-roll bar with this function
Body-side screwing/attachment points for wheel guide/control components
front subframe
Pitman arms
Tie rods
Steering box stands
Steering column

A crooked steering wheel, significant deviation in the camber/toe values and noise when turning the steering can be additional indications of the damage/deformations listed here!

NOTE: If the steering box replacement work which is required for safety reasons is refused by the customer or an insurance company for cost reasons, a memorandum to that effect must be drawn up and countersigned by the party bearing the costs of the accident repair.

Actual situation of the steering column and steering shaft:

In the event of accidents or driving conditions similar to accidents, shock-like loads can cause different types of damage to the steering shaft and steering column. In case no external damaged of the steering column and the steering shaft can be noticed, it is sometimes only possible to identify damage with great difficulty and with great effort.

Procedure for steering column and steering shaft:

The steering column and steering shaft must be replaced if one or more of the following apply:

Visible or noticeable damage, deformation or breakage of the steering column or steering shaft
Damage, permanent deformation or breakage of the tie rod
Unacceptable torque increase and clamping when the steering column is cranked from stop to stop (without hydraulic/electrical assistance)
If, after replacing all damaged axle components, the axle measurement target data cannot be achieved during wheel alignment (permitted wheel measurement tolerances exceeded). If required, enclose the measurement protocol of the invoice/certificate.
Positive check for activated crash system of the steering column:
If no damage is visible on the steering column, the mechanical steering column must be checked for an activated crash system:
Open steering column lock
Pull the steering wheel towards the driver (towards your body) until it reached a hard stop, but without using excessive force
Slide the steering wheel towards the engine compartment (approx. 20-30 mm away from your body) to the comfort position and lock it

If there is no end stop when the steering column is pulled out or if there is tension in the bellows of the steering column shroud, then the crash system has triggered and the steering column must be replaced.

NOTE: If the steering column/steering shaft replacement work which is required for safety reasons is rejected by the customer or an insurance company for cost reasons, a memorandum to that effect must be drawn up and countersigned by the party bearing the costs of the accident repair.

Procedure for HCU:

In the case of accident damage with a broken or bent track control arm, the HCU does not necessarily have to be replaced! When additional noise complaints or functional failures occur, the HCU must be replaced/replaced.

Attention!

Functionally impaired safety parts will invalidate the vehicle's operating permit!

This guideline is binding for all accident repairs on BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles!