BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual: Removing and installing/replacing universal joint with corrugated tubing

IMPORTANT:

After the steering shaft has been loosened on the steering gear/steering column, do not turn the steering wheel any more. If the lower section of the steering shaft is separated from the steering box/steering column, the steering column switch cluster may be damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Remove intake silencer housing .
• Move steering column in "top" and "retracted" position.

Remove clamping bolt (1) at steering box to the side over the wheel arch.

Installation note:

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

Replace clamping bolts.

Pull down corrugated tubing until clamping bolt (1) is accessible with tool (2).

Release clamping bolt (1) and remove universal joint together with corrugated tubing.

Installation note: Clean screw threads to remove all remnants of screw locking adhesive.

Replace clamping bolts.

Counter-hold the steering shaft in the passenger compartment on the steering column when sliding the universal joint onto the steering column!

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

Clamping bolt must rest in groove of steering box or steering column.

No subsequent retorquing permitted!

After installation:

• Turn steering wheel in both directions to the limit position. The airbag indicator light must not light up in the process.