Steering Column Fix - Torque Sensor (save £2000)

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Tue Jul 25, 2023 10:42 pm

Ha! This made me chuckle. Just the torque sensor? So column completely out and rebuild as opposed to quickly swapping the motor?
But in fact, if you have that code then yes, it is the torque sensor.

Z4JOE91 · Post by **Z4JOE91** » Tue Jul 25, 2023 10:58 pm

enuff_zed wrote: ↑Tue Jul 25, 2023 10:42 pm enuff_zed »

Awesome, thanks for the response! I feel better trying to fix it first rather than replacing it.
GOT MY FINGERS CROSS!!

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Wed Jul 26, 2023 8:33 am

Z4JOE91, getting the column out is actually easier than it looks.
You will need to cut away the sacrificial piece of trim under the dash. I also find it easier to remove the EPS motor as well, but you can take it all out together, just takes a bit more fiddling.
The one very important part is separating the column from the UJ in the engine bay. If you just yank it out then you run the risk of damaging the extending section below it.
Best way is to remove the bolt from the UJ, then use a large screwdriver or pry bar with a hammer to open up the joint a little.
Then use a block of wood and a hammer on the top of the UJ and tap it down away from the column.
Once this is free then you can unbolt the column and lift it out.
The clamping bolt on the UJ actually fits into a groove in the splined section of the column, so when you refit it, don't push the UJ too far on or the bolt won't go through.

Z4JOE91 · Post by **Z4JOE91** » Wed Jul 26, 2023 4:55 pm

enuff_zed wrote: ↑Wed Jul 26, 2023 8:33 am enuff_zed »

thank you so much for the info! I've looked at a few videos on YouTube and skimmed through the forums to be prepared with knowledge. I didn't see anything about opening the UJ a little. Question, before I remove the steering wheel should I lock it into place since I won't have the centering pin?

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Wed Jul 26, 2023 5:06 pm

No need to lock it.
The wheel has a master spline so will only go back on in one place.
As long as you don't turn the column you will be fine.

However, as you are taking the whole column apart I would recommend you get the proper locking pin or at least make one up.
It is the wires in the torque sensor that get damaged by turning the column out of the car and it would be a huge waste of time to repair it then damage it again.

Have you considered simply fitting a replacement column?
You can pick them up second-hand for around £250

Z4JOE91 · Post by **Z4JOE91** » Wed Jul 26, 2023 5:18 pm

Gotcha, I have thought about it and I found one for $100, I'm just worried that they won't have a locking pin and it will have the same issue. I guess before I buy it I'll just ask them, I figured since I'm mechanically inclined I could save some money lol

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Wed Jul 26, 2023 6:03 pm

Ah sorry, didn't realise you weren't UK based.
I reckon for $100 it would be worth a punt to get that one and do the repair on that, then swap it all over.
That way you learn without the risk of killing your own one.
You then either learn from your mistakes or you end up with a spare that you then repair, with full photos of the process and sell on for a profit.

Z4JOE91 · Post by **Z4JOE91** » Mon Aug 07, 2023 8:59 pm

Took the column a part and the wires some how bird nested in there

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Mon Aug 07, 2023 9:10 pm

Z4JOE91 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 07, 2023 8:59 pm Took the column a part and the wires some how bird nested in there

Fixable?

Z4JOE91 · Post by **Z4JOE91** » Tue Aug 08, 2023 1:07 am

I wish I can post an image but I don’t know how to. When I popped off the housing it looked like the whole thing spun out and it’s not fixable. Completely shredded!

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Tue Aug 08, 2023 10:03 am

Sounds like you need that spare column then.

Z4JOE91 · Post by **Z4JOE91** » Tue Aug 08, 2023 3:36 pm

Already been order! I’m glad it wasn’t the electric motor
That went bad. I have a foxwell bidirectional scanner I hope its
sophisticated enough to relearn the column

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Tue Aug 08, 2023 5:01 pm

If you bolt your original motor back to the new column then you may have to adjust the eccentric ring to alleviate any 'sticky steering'.
The only other thing you will have to do is calibrate the Steering Angle Sensor. Be warned that when I did this it needed redoing about 20 miles later but since then has been fine.

Z4JOE91 · Post by **Z4JOE91** » Tue Aug 08, 2023 5:58 pm

Gotcha, I read it needed to be about 5 mm shifted counter clockwise. I even seen people move it like 8 mm to give the expanding metal a little bit more room. My bidirectional can perform the steering angle adjustment so I should good. Duly noted about adjusting it after 20 miles, thanks for the tip. Should glob it with grease?

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Tue Aug 08, 2023 6:03 pm

It only 'may' need a recalibration again. Not definite.
I assume you mean grease the motor worm drive? It only has a tiny amount of very light grease on it. I wouldn't add any more.
I'd suggest you note the exact position of the spacer ring between the motor and the column on the old one and replicate that as a starting point when you fit it to the new column. Then adjust if it doesn't feel right. Very much trial and error.

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