Steering: Description and Operation

Repair Information

To perform a problem-free and successful steering gear repair, extreme caution and cleanliness, as well as properly functioning tools are an important requirement. Understandably, general safety guidelines apply when performing repairs.

A series of applicable general notes for individual repair procedures - otherwise listed several times at many points in the repair information - has been collected here. They apply for this repair information.

Steering Gear

• Thoroughly clean connecting points and their surrounding areas before loosening.

• When installing steering gear, make sure centering sleeves are correctly seated between console and steering gear.

• Place removed parts on a clean surface and cover to prevent contamination. Use foils and paper. Only use lint-free cloths!

• Only install clean components: Only unpack replacement parts immediately prior to installation.

• Use exclusively lubricants and sealants marked with part numbers.

• Carefully cover or seal open components, if repairs are not carried out immediately.

• Two different steering gear versions were implemented in MY 2004. Notes about difference, refer to => [ Recognizing Generation I and II Steering Gear ] Testing and Inspection.

• A third steering gear version was introduced in MY 08. Notes about difference, refer to => [ Generation II and III Steering Gear Differences ] Description and Operation.

Gaskets and Seals

• Always replace seals and gaskets.

• After removing seals, inspect contact surface on housings and shafts for burrs and damage and repair if necessary.

• Remove all residual sealant of fluid seals from sealing surfaces, no sealant residue must enter the steering gear housing when doing this.

Bolts and Nuts






• Loosen and tighten the bolt and nut from the covers and housings diagonally.

• Do not cant but loosen and tighten especially sensitive parts in diagonal manner in stages, for example servo motor with control module.

• Tightening specifications for unlubricated bolts and nuts are given.

• Always replace self-locking nuts and bolts.

• Always replace the bolts and nuts, which are tightened with an additional tightening angle.

Electrical Components

Surely everyone has been shocked at one time or another when coming into contact with a metal object. The reason for this is the build-up of static electricity in the human body. This charge can lead to functional problems by touching the electrical components of the steering gear.

- Touch a grounded object - for example a water pipe or a vehicle hoist - before working on electrical components. Do not make direct contact on connector terminals.

Guided Fault Finding, OBD and Test Instruments






• Before performing repairs on the electromechanical steering gear, determine the cause of the damage as closely as possible using the vehicle diagnostic tester in the " Guided Fault Finding", "Vehicle Self-Diagnosis" and "Measurement" modes.