Steering Column
Steering Column
Section titled “Steering Column”The E46 steering column is a collapsible safety design with tilt adjustment and connects to the steering rack via an intermediate shaft with universal joints.
Common Issues
Section titled “Common Issues”- Clunking: Worn U-joint in intermediate shaft
- Loose tilt mechanism: Worn pivot points
- Steering angle sensor: Can cause DSC faults after column work
Intermediate Shaft / Steering Coupler
Section titled “Intermediate Shaft / Steering Coupler”The flexible coupling (guibo/disc) in the steering shaft wears over time:
- Symptoms: Play in steering, clunking when changing direction
- Replacement requires removal of steering column lower section
- Mark shaft position before removal for correct reassembly