Steering Column, Removing and Installing

Steering column, removing and installing

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
^ Torque wrench V.A.G 1331

Removing
- Remove drivers airbag module.





- Detach lever for steering column adjustment.
- Remove airbag steering wheel.
- Remove steering column switch trim.
- Remove steering column switch.
An assembly aid is required to stop the top and bottom sections of the steering column from pulling apart when they are detached from steering gear.

The splines will separate if the top and bottom sections of the steering column are pulled apart or telescoped together too far.

Rattling can occur when the vehicle is driven if the splines are not in their original installation position.

Secure steering column prior to removal





- Pull wire or cable tie through hole in lower section of steering column - arrow - and spring.
- Wire or cable tie can also be pulled through spring and universal joint.
- Detach connectors from ignition/starter switch and reader coil.
On vehicles with automatic transmissions the locking cable must be disengaged:

- Move selector lever to Park position





- Ignition key in position B (ignition on).
- Lift locking piece - 1 - slightly and pull locking cable - 2 - from ignition lock housing.





- Loosen bolt - arrow - .
- Remove lower section of steering column from power steering gear.





- Remove bolts - 1 -.
- Remove steering column.

Installing
Installation is carried out in reverse sequence.
When installing, please note the following:
New replacement steering columns are installed with a transport lock.
This transport lock must be removed after installing the steering column in the vehicle.





- Install steering column and bolts - 1 -, but do not tighten.





- Install steering column joint on power steering gear and screw in bolt - arrow
- Align steering column with steering rack pinion so it is free of tension.
- Tighten bolts securing steering column to retaining plate.
- Tighten bolt securing joint at power steering gear.
- Remove transport lock or assembly aid.
On vehicles with automatic transmissions, engage locking cable:





- Switch ignition key to position B (ignition on) to engage locking cable.
- Move selector lever to Park position.
- Insert locking cable - 2 - in ignition lock housing. Make sure that locking piece - 1 - engages.





Checking operation of locking cable:
Ignition key in position B (ignition on).
- It should be possible to move the selector lever freely out of Park position.
- It should only be possible to remove the ignition key when the selector lever is in the Park position.
Move selector lever to Park position.
- The ignition lock should operate freely.
- With ignition key in position A (ignition off) it should not be possible to move the selector lever out of Park position. The ignition key can be removed.
- Basic setting and routing of locking cable.
- Attach connectors for reader coil and ignition/starter switch.
- Install steering column switch.
- Install trim for steering column switch.
- Install airbag steering wheel.
- Install lever for steering column adjustment.
- Install drivers airbag module.