Anyone replaced the bearings oin the Steering column (Z3)?
 

My steering started squeaking occasionally recently, then it got very stiff to move the wheel from straight ahead. These were both intermittent faults so I applied the tried and tested technique of ignoring them.

That worked a treat for a while but the squeak is getting more persistent and the steering lock up more dramatic so with next week off work I thought I would have a play.

Google tells me to replace the lower column bushing/bearing by removing the steering column. I guess I might as well do the op bearing while it is out.

Anyone done this before?

Any hints or tips or do I just rely on Google and YouTube?

Do you want a How To / How Not To thread if I do attempt this?

A bit more Googling found this which seems pretty detailed : http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=449097

How hard can it be?

Before going to all that hassle I would try and give the bearings a squirt of WD40 to see if that smooths them out.
Very doubtful that they have worn out, probably just a bit dry from age of lack of use.

I would check UJ's between the rack and the column first, they can get very dry and stiff. They are exposed to the elements and extremes of heat and cold under the bonnet.

I agree with Jtvr!

Quite often its just a simple bush at the steering wheel end and WD40 works well with that scenaro.

I shall follow the advice and try to lubricate it first then.

I would have thought something heavier than wd40 though