Steering Gear: Removing

NOTE:

Correct any faults stored in the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) memory before replacing the steering gear, refer to the vehicle diagnostic tester.

-- Connect the vehicle diagnostic tester and start the "Guided Fault Finding".

Follow the instructions on the screen.

-- Turn the steering wheel to the straight ahead position and remove the ignition key so that the steering wheel lock engages.

Vehicle with "Keyless Access" Keyless Locking and Starting System

-- Turn the ignition off and open the driver door so the steering wheel lock locks.

Continuation for All

-- Disconnect the battery. Refer to Removal and Installation .

-- Remove the foot well trim retainers -arrows- and trim -1-.

Fig 1: Foot Well Trim & Nuts

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

Fig 2: Identifying Universal Joint

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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 front wheels.

-- Loosen the tie rod end to wheel bearing housing nut, but do not remove it yet.

CAUTION:

To protect the threads, install the nut on the stud a few turns.

-- Press out the tie rod end from the wheel bearing housing using the Puller - Ball Joint 3287A and now remove the nut.

Fig 3: Pressing Off Tie Rod End From Wheel Bearing Housing Using Ball Joint Puller 3287A

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-- Remove the lower noise insulation, refer to Description and Operation .

-- Remove the coupling rods from the stabilizer bar.

-- Remove the ball joint nuts -arrows-.

Fig 4: Control Arm To Ball Joint Nuts

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-- Remove the pendulum support bolts -13-.

Fig 5: Identifying Pendulum Support Bolts

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-- Remove the exhaust system suspended mount bolts -arrows- from the subframe.

Fig 6: Heat Shield Bolts

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With Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

-- Remove the heat shield bolts -arrows-.

Fig 7: Locating Heat Shield Bolts

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-- Remove the heat shield from the subframe.

Continuation for All

-- Remove the steering gear bolts -5 and 6-.

Fig 8: Identifying Steering Gear Bolts

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-- Remove the stabilizer bar clamp bolts -7 and 8-.

Fig 9: Identifying Stabilizer Bar Bolts

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-- Secure the subframe, refer to SUBFRAME, SECURING .

-- Disconnect the connector for the oil level thermal sensor, if equipped.

-- Place the Engine/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A under the subframe.

Fig 10: Engine/Transmission Jack V.A.G 1383 A Placed Below Subframe

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-- Place a block of wood -1- between the Engine/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A and the subframe.

-- Remove the subframe bolts -9 and 10- and slightly lower the subframe. Pay attention the electrical wiring while doing this.

Fig 11: Identifying Subframe Bolts

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-- Remove the heat shield -1- above the exhaust system.

Fig 12: Heat Shield And Bolts Above Exhaust System

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-- Remove the bolts -arrows-.

-- Remove the wire guide -arrow- from the subframe.

Fig 13: Cable Guide At Subframe

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-- Unclip all other mounting points on the steering gear.

-- Disconnect the connectors -1 and 2- from the steering gear.

Fig 14: Steering Gear Connectors

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-- Carefully lower the subframe using the Engine/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A.

-- Now, lift the stabilizer bar -1- toward the front, over the subframe -2- and down, while turning the stabilizer bar slightly.

Fig 15: Identifying Lift Stabilizer Toward Front, Over Console And Down From Subframe

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-- Lift down the steering gear from the subframe.

-- Set down the steering gear as shown in the figure.

Fig 16: Steering Gear Control Module

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This prevents damage to the control module -1-.