32 31 211 Removing and installing/replacing universal joint with corrugated tubing: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW 750xi, 2011 BMW 750Lxi, 2010 BMW 750xi, and 2010 BMW 750Lxi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: If the lower section of the steering shaft is separated from the steering box/steering shaft middle section, the steering column switch cluster may be damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove underbody protection at front and rear. See FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION and REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove STIFFENING PLATE (vehicles with N74, all-wheel drive vehicles with N63 and all F12)

Release screw (1) on corrugated tubing.

Tightening torque 32 31 3AZ

Fig 1: Identifying Corrugated Tubing Mounting Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Graphic N63 shows rear-wheel drive!

Fig 2: Identifying Universal Joint Mounting Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) from below.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ

Slide universal joint with corrugated tubing upwards and remove.

Installation note:

Connect universal joint with corrugated tubing first to steering shaft and then to steering box.

Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace screw.

Screw must rest in steering box groove or steering shaft middle section.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

NOTE: Picture shows F04!

Release screws (1) from below.

Tightening torque 32 31 2AZ

Slide universal joint with corrugated tubing upwards and remove.

Installation note:

Connect universal joint with corrugated tubing first to steering shaft and then to steering box.

Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace screw.

Screw must rest in steering box groove or steering shaft middle section.

Fig 3: Identifying Universal Joint Mounting Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!