Elastic coupling of the steering wheel shaft — removal (Opel Astra F)

Set the front wheels of the car straight.

In the driver's footwell, remove the clips and lower trim panel.

Loosen and remove the two clamping bolts securing the elastic coupling to the steering wheel shaft and the steering gear pinion shaft.

Loosen the bolts securing the steering gear to the engine compartment bulkhead, then move the steering gear away from the bulkhead just enough to disconnect the coupling from the steering gear pinion.

Remove the coupling from the steering wheel shaft, noting how it is installed.

Check that the steering wheel and front wheels are straight.

Connect the coupling to the steering gear pinion shaft and tighten the lock bolt.

Install the steering gear in place on the bulkhead and check that the steering wheel shaft engages with the coupling, then tighten the steering gear mounting bolts as required.

Pull up on the steering wheel shaft until it contacts the bearing stop, then tighten the upper flexible coupling clamp bolt.



Check the steering wheel alignment as described earlier in the relevant section.