Steering Column: Removing
The steering column is delivered only as a complete replacement part. Servicing is not possible.
Before working on the electrical system, or removing the steering wheel and steering column, the following conditions must be met:
- The technician must electrostatic discharge. This is done by touching a grounded metal part, for example, water lines, heater pipe, metal carriers or the shop hoist. Refer to GENERAL REPAIR INFORMATION => Electrical Components .
If this not done, the electronic steering column lock control module could fail later!
- Disconnect the battery ground cable. Refer to Removal and Installation .
- The wheels must be in the straight ahead position.
If these notes are not observed, the airbag system may not function properly during vehicle operation!
-- Set the wheels to the straight ahead position.
-- Pull the handle beneath the steering column downward.
-- Swing the steering column downward as far as possible and pull it out.
-- Push the handle under the steering column upward again.
-- Remove the steering wheel airbag. Refer to "Airbag" in Removal and Installation .
-- Remove the steering wheel. Refer to STEERING WHEEL .
-- Remove the steering column switch trim. Refer to "Storage Compartments, Covers and Trim" in Removal and Installation .
-- Remove the drivers foot well cover. Refer to "Storage Compartments, Covers and Trim" in Removal and Installation .
-- Remove the drivers side trim. Refer to "Storage Compartments, Covers and Trim" in Removal and Installation
-- Remove the foot well vent under the steering column. Refer to "Vents" in [For engine(s) BLV, CCTA, CBFA] Removal and Installation .
-- Remove the steering column switch. Refer to Removal and Installation .
-- Disconnect all harness connectors and the Ground (GND) wire from the steering column.
-- Remove the retainers -arrows- and trim -1-.
-- Remove the bolt -1- and pull off the universal joint -2- from the steering gear.
-- Remove the wire channel -1- beneath the steering column. To do so, slightly lift the tabs -arrows- on both sides and pull the channel out of the guide on the steering column.
With a Manual Transmission
-- Remove the left bolt and remove the clutch pedal impact brace.
With a Automatic Transmission or a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®)
-- Remove the left steering column bolt.
Continuation for All
-- Remove the right bolt and the brake pedal impact brace.
-- Remove the steering column bolts
-- Lower the steering column slightly and carefully pull out upward.
Pay particular attention to the correct handling and transporting of the steering column. Refer to STEERING COLUMN, HANDLING AND TRANSPORTING .