Steering Column Coupling Removal

Post Fri May 04, 2012 12:43 pm

Hi guys, I have a 1990 318i e30. Yesterday it failed its MOT on a few things, one of which was excessive play in the rubber coupling between the two UJs on the steering column. The original part is held in with 4 big rivets and which you replace with bolts. But how can I get the rivets out?? There is not enough room to grind or drill them out. Do I need to remove part of the column, and if so which bits would I unbolt? I need the car by the end of the weekend so I need to get this sorted ASAP! Any help would be hugely appreciated!

Post Fri May 04, 2012 1:41 pm

Loosen LH steering rack bolt slightly, remove RH steering rack bolt completely, remove the pinch bolts on the clamps either side of the steering link, and remove it from the car by swinging the rack forwards.
If either of the clamps won't slide on their splines, tap a wedge, such as a flat blade screwdriver, into the gap between the bits the pinch bolt clamps together to open it up slightly.

Post Fri May 04, 2012 3:16 pm

Thanks for the detailed reply. Ive undone both pinch bolts. Managed to get the nut off of the RH steering rack bolt (although it basically rounded off), but the bolt itself will not budge! And I dont seem to be able to get the LH rack bolt undone at all. Any tips? Didnt think these bolts would be so problematic

Post Fri May 04, 2012 6:31 pm

There's enough room to slide the coupling up/down and off without disturbing the steering rack at all, but you'll have to get both joints to slide at the same time. If the rack won't budge, then this is the way you'll have to do it.
It's just that it's much easier with the rack loose.