3239543 - Introduction - STEERING

CAUTION

All operations should be carried out taking great care to avoid injury to persons. Before working on the system, follow the safety instructions for the Air Bag system (see See assembly 5580C air bag system ). The engine compartment contains numerous moving parts, components at high temperatures and electrical wiring with voltage.

Follow these precautions scrupulously when carrying out operations in the engine compartment:

Switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down.
Do not smoke.
No naked flames.
Make sure that there is a fire extinguisher in the vicinity.

For certain procedures, the use of Alfa Romeo special tools is recommended. The use of these tools is vital in order to work safely.Follow the safety instructions in force for workshop procedures. Where necessary, the Manual contains specific warnings to prevent the risk of dangerous situations.For the use of chemical products, stick to the warnings on the safety card which the supplier must give the consumer (in Italy in accordance with D.M. No. 47/1992).The electronic ignition system generates voltages of 20,000 V and higher which could be very dangerous to people, especially if they suffer from a heart condition. Great care should be taken when working on this system or near its components.

WARNINGS

CAUTION

Follow these precautions scrupulously when carrying out operations in the engine compartment:

Switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down.
Do not smoke.
No naked flames.
Make sure that there is a fire extinguisher in the vicinity.

WARNINGS

All the operations must be carried out with the utmost attention and care to avoid damaging the components.Prevent brake-clutch fluid coming into contact with painted parts; If this should happen, wash immediately with water.Before any interventions on electrical components, including battery disconnection, make sure that the ignition is off ('STOP' position).In order to release parts which are sticking, tap lightly using an aluminium or lead hammer for ferrous materials, and a wooden or resin hammer for light alloy parts.During dismantling, check that parts which have to be marked carry reference marks.When refitting, lubricate the parts, where necessary, to prevent sticking or seizing during the initial operating period. When refitting, it is vital to follow the recommended tightening torques and adjustment data.During each refitting, replace the gaskets, oil seals, spring washers, safety plates, self-locking nuts, pre-treated bolts and all components which have deteriorated.The replacement of removed assemblies or components should be carried out using genuine spare parts only: this is the only way that the interchangeability and perfect operation of the various components can be guaranteed.To avoid possible damage to the rack and pinion steering box duringservicing operations carried out on vehicles with the wheels raised off the ground (for example on a lift) do not steer using the wheel.These incorrect manouevres, with the force amplified by the linkage, plus the inertia force of the steering column and the steering wheel rotating freely, on reaching the end of travel position sharply at excessive speed, can cause damage to the rack teeth and, in extreme cases, they may even break.