Intermediate shaft of the steering column — removal and installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Note: You will need a new intermediate shaft tie rod bolt and nut for installation.

Removal

1. Place chocks under the rear wheels and apply the parking brake. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it (see "Raising and Supporting the Vehicle"). Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. Remove the screws and the engine sump guard.

2. Mark with a marker or paint the position of the intermediate shaft relative to the steering column, between the shaft and the coupling, and between the coupling and the steering gear shaft. Note: On some models there are marks on the pinion flange and on the steering gear housing. In this case, they should match (Fig. 21.3).

3. Unscrew the tie bolts, then fold the two parts of the shaft together and remove the shaft from the vehicle (Fig. 20.3).



4. Inspect the intermediate shaft joint and make sure that the joint bearings are not worn or seized. Also inspect the shaft rubber coupling and make sure that there are no cracks or other damage. Make sure that the rubber has not peeled off the flanges. If the universal joint or rubber coupling is damaged, the intermediate shaft assembly must be replaced.

Installation

5. Make sure the steering wheel and front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

6. Align the marks made before removal, then connect the shaft to the steering column and the coupling to the steering gear.

7. Insert new tie rod bolts and tighten them to the specified torque. Lower the vehicle to the ground.