Checking the steering wheel effort (BMW 5 Series E12)

Remove the steering wheel trim (installed with latches).

Disconnect the steering knuckle ball joint from the steering link center rod.

Install the drive sleeve on the steering wheel and place a torque wrench graduated in kgf·cm on it.

Set the steering wheel to the middle position, determined by the number of steering wheel turns between the extreme positions, divided by two.

Turn the steering wheel one turn to the left, then use the key to turn it to the right until it goes beyond the middle position. Repeat these operations, turning the wheel in the other direction. The steering wheel rotation torque should be 12 kgf·cm. If necessary, loosen the lock nut of the steering gear adjusting screw and adjust the rotation torque.