Steering column up and down DIY fix.

Sorry to revive an old thread but my steering wheel stopped going up and down yesterday and thanks to this thread I had it fixed in 10 minutes... was that crazy washer stuck casing it not to move

Thanks again

No worries man. I wish they would make this a sticky thread.

Originally Posted by dannydos

No worries man. I wish they would make this a sticky thread.

The steering column on my 2002 BMW 745i doesn't adjust when I use the adjustment button. its used to go up and down when i put the fob key and removing the key, it go back to it old position,but now There is no response. However, it does adjust to the preset position with the memory button. Any ideas regarding the problem? I checked all the fuses in the trunk and glove box everything seems to be good working order? When i removed Front both seats adjustment fuse and i put it back in and got in car push the button it did work for little bit and then its stop? why its doing it, can it be DIY on it i know its really headache.Plzzz help me on this

done.

hi everyone, ive been browsing this forum for a while now but first time posting...the furum has helped me quite a few times with my z4. just purchased a 2006 750Li yesterday and just wanted to say thank you for this very helpful DIY.

same problem as most posters, tilt is (was) stuck in the up position. i took the top and bottom trim off and wedged a thin flat head screwdriver in the slit of the washer. 3-4 taps with the hammer and felt a click. works perfect.

tips:

tapping with the screwdriver on the washer itself, regardless of angle did not fix the problem (for me anyways).

if the slit in the washer is in a position where you cannot easily access it from the top, simply remove the bottom column cover where you will have a better contact point. its one screw, however it took a bit of finessing to pry it off.

i took the thinnest flat head i could find and just placed it against the slit. i would estimate i hit the hammer with about the same force as if i were nailing finishing nails in flat pack furniture, if that helps anyone.

the force should spread the slit slightly and i think this is why it worked for me.

Thanks for the thread, saved me a nice chunk of change. i'll be sure to post in the newbie intro section soon.

Thank you to all for this thread. I was able to unstick my up and down steering column. Was initially tapping it gently using another screw driver but it did not do the job. After a few weeks I tried it again this time with the hammer as posted, and yes it did do the job. The weight of the hammer was necessary. It also helped that I had a buddy hold the flash light with one hand while pushing the down steering column button on the other as I tapped the washer with the hammer. Sure enough on the second tap, the pressure on the washer was released and the steering column finally moved down! Put some wd40 on the screw and now it moves up and down as it should!

Thanks again!
bmwla
2005 BMW745i
Los Angeles

So then by "tapped it with a hammer" do you mean that the silver washer is supposed to spin freely around the brass cylinder ?

Originally Posted by bejiita78

So then by "tapped it with a hammer" do you mean that the silver washer is supposed to spin freely around the brass cylinder ?

NO!! I believe it is welded. The taping just loosens things up.

Guys ,, big thanks from thousands of miles away ..
I had my 760li fixed with that method .. I tapped it 5 times with a hammer anticlockwise and saved myself hundreds of dollars .