Sequence of work
1. Turn out tips from steering draughts. When unscrewing them, count the revolutions so that when reinstalling them, screw them in the same number of revolutions, otherwise the wheel alignment will be disturbed.
Pic. 7.18. To remove the clamps of the mudguard cover, bite off the tongues with pliers (arrows). Use new clamps when assembling
2. Remove both clamps holding the mudguard. To do this, bite off the tongues of the clamps with pliers (pic. 7.18, arrows).
3. Pull off a dirt-protective cover from steering draft.
4. Clean and lightly lubricate the tie rod before reinstalling.
5. Pull the dirt cover over the steering rod, making sure that it fits exactly into the grooves of the steering rod and the gear rack housing and is not twisted. Otherwise, the protection will be incomplete.
6. Secure the dirt cover with new clamps.
7. Install the tip and tighten the fastening nut to 60 Nm.
Pic. 7.19. Steering wheel with airbag in section: 1 – a steering wheel; 2 – connection connector; 3 - squib with solid explosive; 4 - folded airbag
8. Check wheel and steering alignment. If necessary, adjust at the service station.
Attention! Steering wheel and airbag
Warning! Even for carrying and storing airbags (NPB) there are strict regulations, as well as in relation to the workplace where they are removed and installed. The reason is the gas generator, which, in the event of an accident, activates the solid explosive contained in it in a fraction of a second and fills the airbag (pic. 7.19). Due to the fact that the airbag is subject to the law on explosives at work, only specially trained personnel are involved in the serial installation of the airbag, and airbag repair mechanics in the workshop have special qualifications. Given the above, we strongly recommend that you refuse any independent repair of the driver and passenger airbag. This also applies to tuning work, when, for example, the steering wheel is trimmed with wood or leather. Working with the airbag is in any case a task for the service station.
Vehicle measurements
Optimum driving performance and minimum tire wear can only be achieved with perfect wheel alignment. The necessary measurements cannot be made without special optical measuring equipment. Therefore, to measure the parameters of the car and suspension geometry, it is recommended to find a special service station. Such a check is necessary in the following cases:
1. After major body work.
2. After the repair of the front and rear suspension units.
3. With increased and uneven tire wear.
4. In case of insufficient vehicle stability.