Steering column controls alignment

[bobdavisnpf]

How do I adjust the alignment of the steering column controls?

Yesterday I replaced the turn signal switch on my '89 325i vert, high beams are working again - yay and thank you to awdbob for the good part.

The steering wheel nut unfortunately was too tight for me to get it loose with a socket wrench; in my rather finite wisdom I opted for the $35 pneumatic wrench vs the $99 manual torque wrench to increase my "power of persuasion". It did the job with little difficulty, but now the steering column controls are all tilted counterclockwise a couple degrees.

[superj]

wow, I guess you will just have to try and apply a certain amount of torque in the opposite direction to rotate it back

[Mwishlist]

I am pretty sure there is a non-reusable bolt that holds the controls to the column. If they break loose you have to drill it out and use a new bolt or find another way to snug everything back up.

Basically, you shouldn't leave the steering wheel locked while removing the steering wheel bolt.

[bobdavisnpf]

Yes, the Bentley manual describes a shear bolt holding a collar clamp at the floor. I think it also describes the need to keep the steering wheel unlocked and just hold the wheel when loosening the nut. My fault for using online and youtube info, and failing to read up on the procedure in the Bentley beforehand.

[superj]

Its ok. I use the lock sometimes also

[MR E30 325is]

I use the lock to secure the steering wheel almost every time.

But if the nut is super tight that is a different story.