Punto (Mk2/2b) How to change the Punto steering coloumn shaft

The usual applies here, this is the process i went through removing and refitting the shaft

I personally take no responsibility to any damage to you - the property around you etc etc
The steering system is crucial to driving, should anything fail and you have an accident because you failed to install it correctly - i will not be responsible, your own work is your own work

Ensure all fixing are refitted correctly and suitable tightened or torqued up

I advise you read my process from start to finish to gain an understand who/where/what/why/when etc

With that bit out the way - LETS BEGIN!

1x Brick
1x 2pence coin / Large blade screwdriver
Allen Key Set
1 Pry bar - reasonable length
Socket Set + Suitable Ratchet
Possibly Socket extensions
Long needle Nose pliers **

2pence coin / Large screwdriver

Undo the 2 plastic lugs that holds the fuse box cover in place and unhinge it



Then using a suitable allen key - Mine were 2.5mms
Undo the 2x top cowling bolts

and then the 2x Cowling bolts hidden under the adjustment lever for the coloumn


Now getting the bottom part is a fiddle, it needs to be disconnected from the internal lugs

and fight it past adjustment arm as well
Patience and gentle movement it comes off

3x 10mm or 13mm bolts
To remove the plate covering up the ECU


Exposing the Steering Coloumns magic pixie dust control unit

Disconnect the wires going to the ECU - Ensure your ignition is off, to prevent errors been generated


With a bare bumed ECU, look down the side, near the Internal earthing point, you will see a tiny screw - Euro screw


I used needle nose pliers and slowly worked it off
I struggled to get my 1/4 inch ratchet in to remove it, so a euro socket may be just as bad

The screw doesn't actually thread in the ECU, its just sits in a plastic lug


Now you should be left with a bunch of wires and 1 coloumn shaft ready to remove

Nearly there i promise!
Time to free the shaft,
There is a 13mm bolt or nut and bolt combo holding the shaft in place onto the steering rack

Make a note of where the wheel is sitting, how the steering wheel is sitting and how the as you will be moving parts and knocking them out of alignment
Then using your brick and leverage assistant, disconnect the lower section


remove the Upper bolt - i cant highlight it - paint doesn't like my photo's
but it was a 10mm IIRC, look up where the EC
You may need to turn the wheel to access the bolt, make sure you note rotation and degree of turn
For me - i had to turn 90deg's approx


Now using the pry bar again, just assist the upper knuckle free!

Wiggle it out - and hey presto!

Now its important to make sure you have the correct part, i spent 20mins in scrappy pulling what i through was the correct part.... how wrong was i....

I love this section

Its the reverse of the removal so start at the bottom and work up
Making sure you align your steering back up, you dont want to be driving with 90deg steering for no reason
I found attaching the top bracket first easier, as it was weight supported for aligning the bottom splines up
Top is a square peg, the bottom is splined

i would say 99% probably will NEVER follow this guide, its a part that will most likely way outlive the vehicle

There is a recall notice out for certain Punto's to have the coloumn shaft changed due to a batch or poorly manufactured ones been present, but never seen a "bad one yet" till i met mine

When i next get chance - i will print the information off and post a like in the comments box!

reason i was changing as for some reason my bottom knuckle had developed play making a loud clunking noise
When the shaft was in my hand there was 1 thou play, but it didn't half make a racket when power steering smacked it for me
Due to the nature of power steering, that 1thou play related to about 5mm play in the wheel

Driving down rough roads, the steering wheel would be clunking like hell while going straight, Its fine to drive, as mine was only an MOT advisory, but i like my cars to be the best they can!

Ziggy