Steering Column: Service and Repair
Steering wheel, steering column with column tube, removing and installing
Removing
The steering column is only supplied as a complete replacement part. Servicing is not possible.
The steering lock housing can be transferred to the new column.
WARNING:
The airbag igniter is an explosive device. Handled improperly or without adequate safeguards, it can be accidentally activated and cause serious personal injury. To guard against personal injury or airbag system failure, only trained Volkswagen Service technicians should test, disassemble or service the airbag system.
Before starting any work on the steering components of an airbag-equipped vehicle, note the following points and read all safety precautions
^ Battery Ground strap must be disconnected.
^ Voltage supply single-pin connector must be disconnected from the airbag system.
^ Wheels must be in straight-ahead position.
If these instructions are not observed it is possible that the airbag system may fail later!
- Remove airbag unit.
Removing four spoke steering wheel
- Turn wheels to straight-ahead position.
- Move lever below steering column down.
- Pull steering column down and out as far as possible.
- Position steering wheel as shown in illustration.
- Guide screwdriver through hole on back of steering wheel.
Note:
^ The blade of the screwdriver must be positioned horizontally
^ Hold the handle of the screwdriver downward as far as possible
- Press screwdriver in direction of airbag unit.
The point of the screwdriver must grip under the spring (arrow).
- Press screwdriver and pull airbag unit out at same time.
- Repeat this sequence on opposite side of steering wheel.
- Separate connector for airbag unit.
- Place airbag (face side up) so that it will not be damaged or cannot fall
WARNING: Do not leave the airbag unit unattended.
- Remove bolt and pull steering wheel off.
Removing trim for steering column switch
- Remove two cross-head screws (arrows).
- Remove upper steering column switch trim -1-.
- Remove four cross-head screws (arrows).
- Remove socket head bolt -1-.
- Release steering wheel height adjustment -2-.
- Remove lower steering column switch trim -3-.
- Separate connection -1-.
- Release locking tabs (arrows) and pull airbag spiral spring off steering column switch.
Note:
^ The steering wheel must be in the center position (wheels straight-ahead) when the airbag spiral spring is removed and installed.
^ Replacement airbag spiral springs are secured in the center position with a cable tie.
- Pull connectors (arrows) off steering lock housing.
The ignition key locking cable must also be unhooked on vehicles with an automatic transmission.
Securing steering column before removal
An assembly aid is required so that the upper and lower parts of the steering column do not pull apart when removing it from the steering gear.
If the upper and lower parts of the steering column are pulled too far apart or pushed too close together the splines separate.
Rattling noises could be created later if the splices are not retained in their original installed position.
- Pull wire through hole in lower part of steering column (arrow) and through spring.
The steering column can also be secured with a transport protection rod.
- Remove nut -1- on steering universal joint.
- Relieve tension on bolt (Torx T50) by turning it clockwise. Remove bolt.
- Pull steering universal joint off steering gear.
- Remove steering column socket head bolts -1- and remove steering column.
Removing and installing steering lock housing. Steering Column Lock
Installing
New steering columns are supplied as replacement parts secured with a transport protection rod.
The transport protection rod must be removed after installing the steering column in the vehicle.
1. Safety clip
2. Plastic rod
3. Steering column
It is recommended that the transport protection rod and clip be retained for later use when removing steering columns.
- Attach steering column to crossmember with four (4) socket head bolts -1- (do not tighten at this time).
- Install steering universal joint onto steering gear pinion.
- Install clamping bolt (Torx T50) through lower part of steering universal joint and tension counter-clockwise.
- Install nut and tighten to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.).
- Remove wire or transport protection rod and clip between upper and lower parts of steering column.
- Install steering lock housing.
- Install new shear bolts.
- Tighten shear bolts until head shears off.
- Install steering lock switch with trim.
- Align steering column so that gaps in trim are even.
- Tighten steering column socket head bolts -1- to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
- Install driver's side storage compartment.
Installing steering wheel
- Install steering wheel so that marked line -arrow A- on steering wheel and center punch mark (arrow-Be) on the steering column align.
Note: Steering columns supplied as a replacement part do not have a center punch mark.
Determine center point of steering gear using VAG 1907 if necessary.
- Install bolts for steering wheel and tighten.
Hex bolts: 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.)
Multi-point socket head bolt: 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.)
Note:
^ If multi-point socket head bolts are used then mark using a center punch.
^ Multi-point socket head bolts that already have five center punch marks must be replaced
Complete installation procedure by following in reverse order of removal.
WARNING: Make sure no one is in the vehicle when reconnecting the battery Ground strap.