32 31 070 Removing And Installing/Replacing Lower Section Of Steering Spindle

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove trim for instrument panel at bottom left, refer to 51 45 180 REMOVING AND INSTALLING TRIM FOR INSTRUMENT PANEL, BOTTOM LEFT
• Carry out steering angle sensor adjustment, refer to 61 31 996 CARRY OUT STEERING ANGLE SENSOR ADJUSTMENT 
• Turn steering wheel in both directions to full lock
  NOTE: The airbag warning lamp must not light up in the process.
• Check directional stability of vehicle

Move steering wheel to straight-ahead position and remove ignition key.

Remove upper clamping screw on clamp.

Fig 1: Removing Upper Clamping Screw On Clamp

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Move steering wheel to straight-ahead position

Remove ignition key in this position.

Pull steering spindle out of clamp.

Installation: 

Move steering gear to straight-ahead position- markings on cap and on housing must line up.

Tightening torque, 32 31 1AZ. Refer to STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Unfasten nut and remove screw.

Fig 2: Removing Lower Section Of Steering Spindle

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach lower section of steering spindle from steering column.

Installation: 

Replace self-locking nut.

Tightening torque, 32 31 1AZ. Refer to STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Release screws and press heating valves to one side.

Fig 3: Removing Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release clamping screw.

Fig 4: Removing Clamping Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach double joint from power steering gear.

Pull out lower section of steering shaft from inside through bulkhead.

Installation: 

Replace clamping screw.

Tightening torque, 32 31 1AZ. Refer to STEERING AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .