Thread: L322 Steering Column

Given the life expectancy of the column motors/drive systems and the fact that 95% of their running time is spent retracting when the key is turned off and returning back into position when turned on, I have disabled the easy access column function.

There are two settings in the Driver Seat ECU one for Axial and other for Radial movement. Turn them off and the column mechanisms will last heaps longer. The column still moves for different seat position settings and when different keys are used, it just doesn't move out of the way for you to get in and out.

Ok, I have received a new steering column from Ebay (UK) luckily for the same price as the money I received from the dealer as compensation for the faulty mechanism ($750 shipped to my door).

Before I attack my lovely clean as new dashboard, I would like a fairly good idea of how to pull it apart without breaking clips etc and introducing rattles etc.

Does anyone here have any guides or even photos of how they have pulled apart their dash that I can follow. I guess I can just muddle my way through it but the panels look nice and tight and there are no obvious screws etc.

(I remember changing my heater in my 87 Rangie and photographing every step so I could get it all back together again).

Any help or guidance would be very appreciated (saves me 300 bucks having a mechanic do it)

Originally Posted by careyba

Ok, I have received a new steering column from Ebay (UK) luckily for the same price as the money I received from the dealer as compensation for the faulty mechanism ($750 shipped to my door).

Before I attack my lovely clean as new dashboard, I would like a fairly good idea of how to pull it apart without breaking clips etc and introducing rattles etc.

Does anyone here have any guides or even photos of how they have pulled apart their dash that I can follow. I guess I can just muddle my way through it but the panels look nice and tight and there are no obvious screws etc.

(I remember changing my heater in my 87 Rangie and photographing every step so I could get it all back together again).

Any help or guidance would be very appreciated (saves me 300 bucks having a mechanic do it)

If I was you, I would get yourself a copy of this - Dave's Interesting Things - RRMANP38A-L322

The manual has a step by step guide on doing everything you will need to do on your car. Well worth the dollars.

Get that manual, read it, then do google search for youtube clips.

I have also found a broken plastic bracket (after summoning the courage to have a crack at my dash). The motor is fine (lying at the bottom of the foot-well) and the flexible shaft is still there and in good condition. The spindle for the reach system still moves freely so all looks good for an easy fix.

I have ordered a new one, part # QYH500030 (just search EBAY).

The cost is $75 delivered, expensive for what it is!

Now I just have to try and see if I can fit it without having to remove the entire steering column.

I also now have a spare steering column