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Steering Assembly Fasteners

Fasteners Overview

This page documents all fasteners used in the steering assembly with precise identification using the annotated reference photo. Each bolt is numbered for easy identification during assembly or maintenance.

Critical Safety

Steering fasteners are safety-critical. Use specified torque values and threadlocker. Inspect regularly for looseness.

Reference Photo

View steering assembly with numbered fasteners

Steering mechanism with bolt identification

Fastener Identification: 1. Coupling to motor bolts (4x M6x20) 2. Main coupling bolt (1x M8x25) 3. Sensor mounting screws (2x M3x8)

Detailed Fastener Specifications

Item #1: Coupling to Motor Bolts

  • Quantity: 4 bolts
  • Size: M6 x 20mm hex head cap screws
  • Location: Motor flange to coupling connection
  • Torque: 12 Nm
  • Material: Steel, zinc plated
  • Installation: Apply threadlocker, torque in cross pattern
  • Inspection: Check weekly for looseness

Item #2: Main Coupling Bolt

  • Quantity: 1 bolt
  • Size: M8 x 25mm hex head cap screw
  • Location: Through steering shaft coupling
  • Torque: 20 Nm
  • Material: Steel, grade 8.8 (high strength)
  • Installation: Critical connection - use threadlocker
  • Inspection: Check bi-weekly, this bolt failure would disable steering

Item #3: Sensor Mount Screws

  • Quantity: 2 bolts
  • Size: M3 x 8mm hex head cap screws
  • Location: AS5600 sensor board to mounting bracket
  • Torque: 3 Nm (be careful not to over-torque small screws)
  • Material: Steel, zinc plated
  • Installation: Hand-tighten plus 1/4 turn
  • Inspection: Monthly visual check

Motor Bracket Bolts

  • Quantity: 2 bolts
  • Size: M6 x 30mm hex head cap screws
  • Location: Steering motor to chassis mounting bracket
  • Torque: 15 Nm
  • Material: Steel, zinc plated
  • Installation: Ensure motor alignment before final tightening
  • Inspection: Weekly check for vibration loosening

Assembly Instructions

Installation Sequence

  1. Mount sensor first: Install AS5600 with Item #3 screws
  2. Position motor: Mount motor to chassis with bracket bolts
  3. Install coupling: Connect motor to shaft with Item #1 bolts
  4. Final connection: Install main coupling bolt (Item #2)
  5. Test: Verify smooth operation and sensor reading

Critical Notes

  • Alignment: Ensure motor shaft and steering shaft are properly aligned before tightening
  • Sensor position: AS5600 must be centered over magnet (see sensor documentation)
  • Threadlocker: Use blue (medium strength) on all bolts except sensor screws

Maintenance Schedule

Fastener Check Frequency Torque Check Notes
Item #1 (Coupling) Weekly Monthly Critical for power transmission
Item #2 (Main bolt) Bi-weekly Bi-weekly Most critical fastener
Item #3 (Sensor) Monthly Quarterly Avoid over-torque
Bracket bolts Weekly Monthly Check for vibration loosening

Troubleshooting

Loose Steering Feel

  • Check Item #2 main coupling bolt first
  • Inspect Item #1 coupling bolts for looseness
  • Verify motor bracket bolt tightness

Sensor Reading Issues

  • Check Item #3 sensor mount screws
  • Verify sensor hasn't shifted position
  • Ensure magnet alignment hasn't changed

Procurement Information

Estimated Costs

  • Total fastener cost: ~€5.50 for complete steering assembly
  • Recommended spares: 25% extra quantity

Suppliers

  • McMaster-Carr: Premium quality metric fasteners
  • Fastenal: Industrial fastener supplier
  • Local automotive: Grade 8.8 bolts available at auto parts stores

Required Tools

  • Hex key set: 3mm, 6mm, 8mm
  • Torque wrench: 0-25 Nm range
  • Threadlocker: Loctite 243 (blue, medium strength)