Procedure 1

Checking steering spindle





Lock steering wheel in center position and raise the car on lift. Examine the lower steering spindle, which should be the 4-rib style.

4-rib

8-rib

If the spindle is the 8-rib style, replace it with the 4-rib style, part number 32 31 9 068 665.





With the steering wheel locked in the center position, remove the bolts holding the Hardy disc and upper steering clamp, and remove the Hardy disc and spindle. When removing the spindle, spread the upper clamp (2) with a screwdriver or similar tool, so that the spindle comes off the shaft easily. If excessive force is used to pull on the spindle, the upper column could possibly be pulled loose from its mounts under the dash.





With the steering locked in the center position, install the spindle with the upper bolt positioned horizontally, underneath the shaft.

Tighten to 19 Nm.





Make sure that the wheels are centered.

Slide the Hardy disc assembly onto the spindle and steering rack so that the center point indicators on the rack align with the side of the joint assembly as shown. The pinch gap will point straight down.

Note:
The Hardy disc can only go on one way. The end with the cutout through the splines for the pinch bolt goes on the steering rack.





Center the bolt holes in position and install the locking bolts and nuts in the steering rack clamp (1) and lower spindle clamp (2). Tighten to 19 Nm.


Assembly check -

The upper spindle clamp bolt must be horizontal, underneath the spindle. The top bolt on the Hardy disc assembly should be in the vertical position. The lower bolt on the Hardy disc assembly should be horizontal. The rack must remain in the center position.