Steering Column: Service and Repair

Steering column, removing and installing
Removing
The steering column is supplied complete, less steering lock housing

Servicing steering column is not possible.
The steering lock housing can be transferred.
Removing and installing steering lock housing.

Caution: Before working on the electrical system and removing the steering wheel, the following conditions must be met:
^ Disconnect Ground strap (GND) from battery.
^ The wheels must be in the straight ahead position.
If you do not follow these instructions, the airbag system may fail during subsequent vehicle operation.

- Set wheels to straight ahead position.
- Pull handle below steering column downward.
- Pull steering column downward and out as far as possible.
- Remove steering wheel
- Remove lower stowage compartment.
- Remove carpeting.





Remove trim for steering column switch

- Remove bolts -1 - .
- Take off handle for height and reach adjustment.
- Remove bolts - 2 - - - 3 - and - 4 - .





- Take off lower steering column switch trim.
- Take off upper steering column switch trim - 1 - .





- Separate connection -1 - .
- Release locking tabs - arrow - and pull coil connector with slip ring off steering column switch.
- This illustration shows a coil connector in a vehicle without Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP)

Vehicles with Electronic Stabilization Program "ESP"
- Vehicles with ESP are also equipped with steering angle sensor G85 . It is installed in housing together with slip ring and coil connector.
- A description of the design and function of the ESP is found in Self-Study Program No. 204.
- Removing steering angle sensor G85





The following steps apply to all vehicles.
- Remove plastic cover -1 - over shear head bolts.





- Release tie wrap.
- Remove bolt for steering column switch and remove steering column switch.





Vehicles with automatic transmission

The ignition key removal lock cable must be disconnected on vehicles with automatic transmission
- Remove plastic screws -1 - .





- Remove cover - A - .
- Remove joint bolt - 1 - from steering shaft joint.
- Remove universal joint steering gear in direction of -arrow - .
- 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 from 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.

It is possible that rattling noises may occur later on if the splines are not in their original installation position.





- Push or pull steering column together or apart until the hole is visible.
- For example, insert a clip in the hole - arrow - .
- Remove nut - Item - 3 - .





- Remove hex bolt - Item -1 - .
- Remove hex bolts => Item - 2 - and remove steering column.
1. Hex bolt
2. Hex bolt
^ 22 Nm (16 23 ft. lbs.)
3. Hex nut
^ 10 Nm (74 ft. lbs.)
4. Steering column cross member





Install steering column
New replacement steering columns are secured with transportation protection - 6 -

This transport protection - 6 - must be removed after installing the steering column in the vehicle.

The shear head bolt -10 - and the Pin -11 - must be installed on new steering columns, which have been supplied as a replacement part.
- Tighten shear head bolt - 10 - until head shears off.
- Install steering column with preassembled steering lock housing to cross member.
- Install hex bolts - 5 - .
When a steering column from manufacturer Presta is installed, the bolts must be secured with locking fluid D 000 600 .
Identifying steering column
- Install hex bolt -12 -.
- Install nut -13 - and tighten to 10 Nm (7.3 ft. lbs.).
- Now tighten bolts - 5 - to 25 Nm (18.4 ft. lbs.).
- Remove transportation securing device -6-.
- Install universal joint/shaft on steering pinion
- Tighten bolt - 8 - to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.).





1. Steering column cross member
2. Steering column
3. Bolt
4. Handle
5. Hex bolt, 22 Nm (16.2 ft. lbs.)
6. Transportation securing device
7. Steering column universal joint/shaft
8. Hex bolt, 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.)
9. Steering gear pinion
10. Shear head bolt
11. Pin
12. Hex bolt
13. Hex nut, 10 Nm (7.3)

Vehicles with automatic transmission
The ignition key removal lock cable must be connected on vehicles with automatic transmission
- Install steering column switch

Following work sequence affects only vehicle with ESP
- Installing steering angle sensor G85

The basic setting for steering angle sensor G85 must be checked after following assembly work:
^ When steering angle sensor G85 has been removed or replaced,
^ After removing or replacing steering column;
^ After removing or replacing steering column switch;
^ After removing or replacing steering lock housing;
^ When steering wheel is repositioned.
Perform steering angle sensor G85 basic setting
- Vehicle diagnosis, testing and information system VAS5051
- Select on the display "Suspension, Wheels, Brakes, Steering (Repair Group 01; 40...48)" .
- Select on display "Brake system" .
- Select on display. "01 On Board Diagnostics Systems"
- Select on display "Anti-lock brake system" .
- Select on display "Functions" .
- Select on display "Basic setting for steering angle sensor -G85-" .
The following steps apply to all vehicles.
- Installing trim for steering column switch
- Installing steering wheel
- Installing airbag unit

Caution: When connecting battery make sure that no one is in the vehicle!