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  #1  
Old 05-25-2019, 05:28 AM
LVR LVR is offline
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How to replace upper steering column bearing

Hi all

UPDATE Thanks to the assist from the members here it was quite straight forward.

I've added a couple of pics for others in future and a few tips at the end.

Cheers


I'm chasing a steering column grinding noise so armed with some new bearings and a realoem diagram showing the upper shaft parts, I've started the strip down.

I can't find any info though on how to remove the upper steering column.

Any diy's or tips from anyone?

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Last edited by LVR; 07-07-2019 at 09:18 AM. Reason: update
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  #2  
Old 05-25-2019, 02:14 PM
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Pretty sure you have to drop the column from the bottom.
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Old 05-26-2019, 10:07 AM
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Can't help with the lower, but replacing the upper bearing is done with the column in place. Lift off the steel support collar, there's a snap ring underneath. Use a pick or a pair of snapring pliers and remove that. The bearing is pressed in; you need to pry the plastic inner out about 1/16" and then you can get something behind the metal flange on the bearing to remove it.

The new one just pushes in; tap it with a punch evenly around the perimeter to seat it. Lubricate the new one with something before installing it - I use TriFlow foam.
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Old 05-27-2019, 04:52 PM
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This might also help, LVR...

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...column/Cgqotr9
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Old 05-28-2019, 05:03 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott ZHP View Post
Can't help with the lower, but replacing the upper bearing is done with the column in place. Lift off the steel support collar, there's a snap ring underneath. Use a pick or a pair of snapring pliers and remove that. The bearing is pressed in; you need to pry the plastic inner out about 1/16" and then you can get something behind the metal flange on the bearing to remove it.

The new one just pushes in; tap it with a punch evenly around the perimeter to seat it. Lubricate the new one with something before installing it - I use TriFlow foam.
Cheers for that mate...
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Old 05-28-2019, 05:03 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wpoll View Post
Thanks mate for that... now got a plan...
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Old 07-07-2019, 09:47 AM
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Hi

As there were no specific instructions for me I would have been stumped doing this were it not for the tips from Scott and wpoll. This is for future searches by others.

The steering wheel removal was straight forward.

Remove the steering column trim by undoing the top and bottom leatherette clips (lever them up ) and the plastic phillips head screw underneath.

Use a plastic trim panel tool and lever the trim pieces apart.



Remove the four Torx screws and disconnect and remove the switch gear surround.

Remove the steering wheel spacer then with a pair of separating pliers remove the slip ring from the groove, and the second spacer.



With a flat head screwdriver pry out the old bearing.



This bearing was worn and full of muck.



Lubricate the new bearing then insert with the tapered edge facing down. Install the new spacer and place the slip ring over the column. You WILL need the special tool to get the slip ring back on.

Synchronising key
321090





Once it clicks into place the replacement of the steering wheel is the reversal of the above.
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2007 E60 540 M Sport LCI (All time favourite car)
2007 E70 X5 4.8i Sport
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Old 07-07-2019, 05:29 PM
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Great write-up, LVR - thanks for sharing! Glad you got it done. :-)

Any ideas as to what might work for the special tool? Kinda looks like the right size hex socket might work....
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