• WARNING: All efforts should be made to work with full consideration of safe working practices. Work Slowly, methodically and with due care and attention.

 

• These instructions are written on the basis of a free-moving column. I will deal with jammed columns and other issues in their own section.

 

• It is adviseable to retain nuts, bolts and parts in labelled plastic bags. 

 

• As per the picture, from top to bottom: Euro Boss on top of first stage; 3 column stage locking levers and assemblies; hydraulic pressure release valve.

 

• For the purposes of consistency Stage One (1) will be considered the smallest diameter or Top Stage of the column; Stage Two (2) will be the Middle Stage; Stage Three (3) will be the largest and Bottom Column Stage. The Column section residing in the Main Hydraulic Hub will be considered to be the Column Liner.

 

• Stow the column all the way down with the column stage brakes engaged, leave the hydraulic release valve fully open.

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• Remove the Euro Boss to reveal the bleed screw at the top. Do NOT fully remove this screw with the system under pressure. (For ‘Bleeding the Column’ see separate notes.)

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• Undo the bleed screw slowly to ensure no remaining pressure.

 

 

• Release the top stage brake lever.

 

• To access the three screws on the column cap you will need to have the top column section secured in a raised position.

 

• WARNING: If you do NOT work safely and an unsecured column section comes crashing down it could cause severe injury or even take a finger off!!!

 

• Undo the three bolts that retain the cap to the brake assembly. If you have a MKI assembly then you will need to unscrew the threaded cap counter-clockwise (see notes on MKI Column assemblies).

 

• Lift the column cap and column stage up together.

 

• NOTE: Secure the column at EVERY Stage of the process!!!

 

• Lift the top ring that secures the locking lever pin and lever, and remove the brake lever, before lifting as far as you are able, allowing access beneath. If assistance is available then get a separate person to hold the stage while you work; otherwise use blocks, clamps and electrical tape to safely secure parts as you work.

• With the column stage in the raised position, slide the top brake assembly ring, and the geared ring up the column and secure them with electrical tape or a second pair of hands. Re-secure the Column.

 

• Column Stage locking assembly – Locking gear and lever

 

• Undo the countersunk bolt retaining the bottom assembly ring and slide up the column. Secure it with electrical tape to prevent it sliding down while you work.

• Column Stage locking assembly – Housing with securing screws showing.

 

• You now have access to the three bolts securing the brake assembly hub; undo them and the first stage should lift out completely. If you are unable to remove the column section then you may have corrosion on the inside of the second stage preventing removal, at which point refer to my notes on corroded columns.

• Column Stage with column and locking assembly rings safely secured to allow for securing or release of screws holding the column stage in place.

 

• If you have now successfully removed the first column stage, congratulations, only two more to go!

 

• Repeat the process for column stages 2 & 3

• Column stage after removal/before installation. Stage 3 Pictured.

 

• Now that the column is removed, it is time to drain the oil.

 

• The unit is far lighter without its wheels, and this is an ideal moment to remove them before lifting the unit to drain the oil.