Procedure For Steering Column And Steering Shaft

NOTE: The steering column and steering shaft must be replaced if one or more of the following points 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 the wheel alignment nominal data cannot be reached after all the damaged wheel components are changed (exceedance of the permissible wheel alignment tolerances). 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:
1. Open steering column lock.
2. Pull steering wheel out towards the driver (towards the body) until the physical stop is reached, but do not use excessive force.
3. Push steering wheel towards engine compartment (approx. 20-30 mm away from body) into the comfort position and lock.

If no end stop is present when pulling out the steering column or the bellows of the steering column shroud has tension, the crash system has activated and the steering column is to be renewed.

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.

For corresponding specimen of the memorandum, refer to Service Information 320188(828) Appendix 1

IMPORTANT:

The vehicle's operating permit will be invalidated whenever the function of any of its safety components is compromised!

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