Steering Column: Removing

The steering column is delivered only as a complete replacement part. Servicing is not possible.

WARNING:

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 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-.

Fig 1: Foot Well Trim & Nuts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the bolt -1- and pull off the universal joint -2- from the steering gear.

Fig 2: Identifying Universal Joint

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:

If the universal joint is separated from the steering gear, the following work cannot be performed:

Connect the battery.
Turn on the ignition.
Turning the steering gear.
Turning the steering column.

These points must be observed, because otherwise it can cause irreparable damage.

-- 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.

Fig 3: Identifying Wire Channel -1- Beneath Steering Column