Steering Shaft Coupler: Service and Repair

Remove/Install Steering Coupling






1 Turn steering wheel to center position (front wheels in straight-ahead position) and fix in place

CAUTION:
- On vehicles with easy entry/exit, this function must be disabled to prevent damaging the windshield, refer to: Operator's manual.
- The steering wheel must not be turned with the steering coupling (25) detached otherwise the clock spring contact will be destroyed.

2 Remove bottom engine compartment paneling

NOTE: Only remove the rear section.

3 Unplug solenoid valve connector (40)
4 Remove shield (23m)
5 Unscrew bolt fastening steering coupling to steering shaft (25a) from steering coupling (25) at lower steering shaft (80a)
6 Insert a suitable tool in the hole in steering coupling (25) and pull lower steering shaft (80a) together with locking plate (25f) upwards and out of steering coupling (25)

CAUTION: Do not counter by holding the rubber boot or the temperature-resistant plastic disk on the lower steering shaft (80a) Do not use force (hammer blows, excessive leverage) as the lower steering shaft (80a) is sensitive to lateral forces.

NOTE: Installation:
- Insert bottom steering shaft (80a) fully into the steering coupling (25); pay attention to the studs of the steering coupling (25)and groove of the lower steering shaft (80a) (arrows).
- Replace locking plate (25f) with self-locking nut.

7 Unscrew bolt fastening steering coupling to rack-and-pinion steering (25b) out of steering coupling (25)

NOTE: Installation: Replace self-locking nut.

8 Carefully pull steering coupling (25) out of control valve of rack-and-pinion steering (23) (predetermined breaking point on control valve).

NOTE:
- Do not use force (blows from a hammer, strong leverage) on steering coupling. If necessary, expand clamping slot slightly with a screwdriver.
- Installation: Turn rack-and-pinion steering (23) to center position, mount steering coupling (25).

9 Install in the reverse order.