Removing lower part of steering shaft
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2025 BMW M4, 2024 BMW M4, 2023 BMW M4, 2022 BMW M4, and 2021 BMW M4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
Working on 12 V electrical system
.
Risk of short circuits! Risk of fire!
Risk of short circuits! Risk of fire!
- Make sure that there is no charger connected to the jump start terminal in the engine compartment.
- Detach battery ground lead from battery.
- For auxiliary batteries: Detach battery minus cables from all auxiliary batteries.
NOTE:
RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to steering column switch cluster (SZL) .
The steering column switch cluster (SZL) or the coil spring cassette can be damaged by twisting the steering wheel if the lower steering shaft (or the universal joint) is separated from the steering gear or the steering column .
Damage to steering column switch cluster (SZL) .
The steering column switch cluster (SZL) or the coil spring cassette can be damaged by twisting the steering wheel if the lower steering shaft (or the universal joint) is separated from the steering gear or the steering column .
- After separating the lower steering shaft (or the universal joint) from the steering gear or from the steering column, secure the steering wheel against twisting.
NOTE:
RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to battery terminal, the safety battery terminal or the intelligent battery sensor (IBS) .
Damaged battery terminals can lead to malfunctions or vehicle electrical system faults .
Damage to battery terminal, the safety battery terminal or the intelligent battery sensor (IBS) .
Damaged battery terminals can lead to malfunctions or vehicle electrical system faults .
- Detach battery terminal from battery pole by carefully shifting to and fro. Do not pry off using a tool.
Preliminary work
- Refer to DISCONNECTING ALL BATTERY GROUND LEADS .
- Refer to REMOVING SUSPENSION STRUT BRACE .
- Refer to REMOVING THE COVER FOR THE DME CONTROL UNIT .
- Refer to REMOVING THE DME CONTROL UNIT .
- Refer to REMOVING THE INTEGRATED SUPPLY MODULE (PDM) PARTIALLY .
- Refer to REMOVING THE CONTROL UNIT HOLDER .
- Refer to UNCLIPPING THE COOLANT LINE .
- Loosen the clamping bolt (1).
- Detach the bottom steering shaft (2) from the universal joint in the arrow direction.
- Pull out the steering column with the lower steering shaft (2) to its maximum length.
- Release the clamping bolt (1) with the reversible ratchet and a long extension.
- Pull down the bottom steering shaft (2) from the steering column.
- Thread out the steering shaft (2) and remove it.