Steering Columns - E36: Overhaul BMW Z3 E36 facelift

Disassembly

1. Remove steering column. See «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-55473-S03582797492001011700000).
2. Remove screws and pull off clip. see scheme 10
3. Pull lower section of steering column casing off upper section. see scheme 24
4. Remove screw and pull off clip. Press retaining hook and pull off switch. see scheme 15
5. Unscrew grounding cable. Remove both headless screws and take off starter switch. see scheme 16
6. Lift out snap ring (1) and take off with sleeve (2). see scheme 17
7. Lift out and remove steering spindle bearing. Take out bearing inner sleeve. see scheme 18
8. Remove shear-off screws. see scheme 19
9. Turn steering lock to position "R". Press down on steering spindle and take off steering lock. see scheme 20
10. Lower steering spindle bearing. Lift out snap ring (1). Take off collar (2), spring (3) and support ring (4). Remove steering spindle. (Scheme 42)
11. Knock lower steering spindle bearing out of outer tube. (Scheme 43)
12. Remove outer tube of height adjustable steering column by knocking lock washer (6) out in downwards direction. Unscrew nut (1), press lever (4) in direction of bolt (5) and unscrew bolt (5). Unscrew stud. (Scheme 44)

Scheme 42

Scheme 43

Scheme 44

Assembly

1. On height adjustable steering column, apply light coat of grease to anti-friction surfaces of bearing block (3) and steering column tube (9). (Scheme 45)
2. Pre-assemble adjustment lever (4) with dowel pin (2) in lever setting "jammed" to dimension (A). (A) is.82-.85" (21-21.7 mm). Then slide firmly home to right side. (Scheme 45)
3. Screw bolt (5) in until it contacts stud (2). Push lever (4) to left. Square shoulder of bolt must engage in outer tube (9). (Scheme 45)
4. Tighten new nut (1) in "jammed" lever position to torque of 62 Inch lbs. (7 Nm). Check clamping effect.
5. To assemble, reverse disassembly procedure.
6. On all vehicles, lubricate bearing seat with grease. (Scheme 43)
7. Lubricate spring (3) with grease. Recess in collar (2) must point to snap ring (1). (Scheme 42)
8. Fit dowel pin in bore. see scheme 21
9. Tighten shear off screws until heads shear off. see scheme 19
10. Insert bearing inner sleeve with bevelled end pointing to steering lock. (Scheme 46)
11. Fit bush (2). Fit snap ring (1) with special tool (32 1 090) and steering wheel retaining screw until it engages in groove of steering spindle. Snap ring (1) can also be mounted using special tool (32 3 070). see scheme 22
12. Lock headless screws with varnish.
13. Guide both holders of upper section into bores. Insert ignition lock ring. see scheme 23
14. Check for correct position of lock when assembling lower section of casing to upper section. see scheme 24

Scheme 45

Scheme 46