Steering shaft removal - locking the wheel?

[tomrdy]

Hey guys,

Reading through the instructions for the steering shaft removal here as I may need to pull my angle sensor out: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/BMW_Z4M/78-SUSPEN-Steering_Shaft_Replacement/78-SUSPEN-Steering_Shaft_Replacement.htm

Once it is removed, secure the steering wheel so it does not move. If the steering wheel rotates with the steering rack removed, the clock spring may be damaged.

I just want to check I'm understanding this correctly. Since it's able to free spin without the limiting factor of the rack, the damage would occur to the clock spring if the steering wheel is spun in EXCESS of what it's designed to correct? This would be due to the fact that there isn't enough length in the cable/clock spring.

If I knock or turn the wheel for better access/line-up when reattaching, that should be fine? Just checking I'm not missing something blatantly obvious.

 

[Liam22]

the damage would occur to the clock spring if the steering wheel is spun in EXCESS of what it's designed to correct?

That's how I read it.

FWIW, when I need to lock the steering wheel I use a pair of inverted bar clamps to push up, against the spokes of the steering wheel.

 

[tomrdy]

Thanks for the input Liam

I was racking my brain trying to think whether moving the wheel (in a normal range) while the shaft is disconnected would damage the gear in the column somehow... logic shall prevail.