Can the steering shaft be removed from the column?

disapr · 08-07-2012, 01:11 PM

I'm at work and can't really 'look' at my column - Can the steering shaft (splined part) be removed from the main housing so that it can be machined?

It has to be removable, but it doesn't have to go back in I suppose and I don't see it as a separate part on realoem.

Thanks

disapr · 08-09-2012, 10:52 AM

Yes, my workbench is a mess..

Lots of projects going on at once around here.

I was able to remove the splined steering shaft. The reason that I removed this is so that I can machine it down to a smaller diameter and install a weld-on type quick release.

Starting with the steering column removed and laying on your workbench.

Remove the tamper proof torx on the side of the column.

Use a light hammer to tap the lower tube out of the main aluminum housing. Tap on the welded-on bracket that bolts to the dash bar.

The lower telescoping shaft is keyed to the main shaft so it's safe to separate them. Note the general orientation of the two shafts though.

Remove the locking ring from the steering shaft where the steering wheel was connected.

Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the shaft out through the front of the column (towards the steering wheel). There is a bearing that is permanently installed on the splined end of the shaft so be careful to not damage it. (I'm re-using this picture just to show you where to tap to remove the shaft - You will hammer on the right section to push the shaft out through the front)

Then obviously cover the bearing with something before machining or welding.

agdiver · 08-10-2012, 09:34 AM

Hi, i find this is very interisting, can you provide some picture? Thank you

Sent from my PTM722HR using Bimmer App

disapr · 08-10-2012, 11:26 AM

I'll try to take some pics this weekend and post something next week.

disapr · 08-13-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agdiver

Hi, i find this is very interisting, can you provide some picture? Thank you

Sent from my PTM722HR using Bimmer App

Pictures added. Enjoy.

agdiver · 08-13-2012, 07:18 PM

Great pict, really helpfull to understand.

I need to ask your advice, my column has a play in the bottom part (steering rattle, i checjed it and it is the steering column that has some play, not the lower joint steering)

, do you think it has anything to do with the fact that the column has 2 connected shaft?

Do you have any suggestion how to fix it?

Any suggestion will be highly appreciate

Thank you

agdiver · 08-13-2012, 08:23 PM

i think my problem is the same as this guy in the video

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop..._rcjYc9s&gl=ID

do you have any advice how to fix it ?

since you have experience with the column disassembly

agdiver · 08-13-2012, 08:27 PM

also please check this thread:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=672241

your experience with the column disassembly would help us alot..

thanks

disapr · 08-13-2012, 11:00 PM

The youtube link isn't working so I'm not sure exactly what your column issue is. There aren't any components in the upper section that I disassembled that would likely cause any noticeable rattle. The best thing would be to inspect the joints like is mentioned in the other threads. If those are all in good shape then remove all of the plastic covers from the steering column and verify that all of the bolts are tight that secure the column to the dash bar (body).

jbfrancis3 · 09-28-2012, 06:39 AM

Great followup!

08-07-2012, 01:11 PM	#1
disapr Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 24 My Ride: E46 M3/SVT Raptor View My Garage	Can the steering shaft be removed from the column? I'm at work and can't really 'look' at my column - Can the steering shaft (splined part) be removed from the main housing so that it can be machined? It has to be removable, but it doesn't have to go back in I suppose and I don't see it as a separate part on realoem. Thanks

08-09-2012, 10:52 AM	#2
disapr Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 24 My Ride: E46 M3/SVT Raptor View My Garage	Yes, my workbench is a mess.. Lots of projects going on at once around here. I was able to remove the splined steering shaft. The reason that I removed this is so that I can machine it down to a smaller diameter and install a weld-on type quick release. Starting with the steering column removed and laying on your workbench. Remove the tamper proof torx on the side of the column. Use a light hammer to tap the lower tube out of the main aluminum housing. Tap on the welded-on bracket that bolts to the dash bar. The lower telescoping shaft is keyed to the main shaft so it's safe to separate them. Note the general orientation of the two shafts though. Remove the locking ring from the steering shaft where the steering wheel was connected. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the shaft out through the front of the column (towards the steering wheel). There is a bearing that is permanently installed on the splined end of the shaft so be careful to not damage it. (I'm re-using this picture just to show you where to tap to remove the shaft - You will hammer on the right section to push the shaft out through the front) Then obviously cover the bearing with something before machining or welding. Last edited by disapr; 08-13-2012 at 12:19 PM.

09-28-2012, 06:39 AM	#10
jbfrancis3 Formerly Snox400 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 452 My Ride: 1999 323i View My Garage	Great followup! __________________ jbfrancis3

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08-10-2012, 09:34 AM	#3
agdiver Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: indonesia Posts: 25 My Ride: bmw e46 View My Garage	Hi, i find this is very interisting, can you provide some picture? Thank you Sent from my PTM722HR using Bimmer App

08-10-2012, 11:26 AM	#4
disapr Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 24 My Ride: E46 M3/SVT Raptor View My Garage	I'll try to take some pics this weekend and post something next week.

08-13-2012, 07:18 PM	#6
agdiver Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: indonesia Posts: 25 My Ride: bmw e46 View My Garage	Great pict, really helpfull to understand. I need to ask your advice, my column has a play in the bottom part (steering rattle, i checjed it and it is the steering column that has some play, not the lower joint steering) , do you think it has anything to do with the fact that the column has 2 connected shaft? Do you have any suggestion how to fix it? Any suggestion will be highly appreciate Thank you

08-13-2012, 08:23 PM	#7
agdiver Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: indonesia Posts: 25 My Ride: bmw e46 View My Garage	i think my problem is the same as this guy in the video http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop..._rcjYc9s&gl=ID do you have any advice how to fix it ? since you have experience with the column disassembly

08-13-2012, 08:27 PM	#8
agdiver Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: indonesia Posts: 25 My Ride: bmw e46 View My Garage	also please check this thread: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=672241 your experience with the column disassembly would help us alot.. thanks

08-13-2012, 11:00 PM	#9
disapr Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 24 My Ride: E46 M3/SVT Raptor View My Garage	The youtube link isn't working so I'm not sure exactly what your column issue is. There aren't any components in the upper section that I disassembled that would likely cause any noticeable rattle. The best thing would be to inspect the joints like is mentioned in the other threads. If those are all in good shape then remove all of the plastic covers from the steering column and verify that all of the bolts are tight that secure the column to the dash bar (body).