Steering Column, Removing And Installing: Removing

NOTE:

On vehicles with an Electronic Steering Column Lock Control Module -J764-, it is secured to the steering column with shear bolts. Refer to OVERVIEW - STEERING COLUMN SWITCH MODULE .

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

The steering lock housing can be removed and installed. Refer to OVERVIEW - STEERING COLUMN SWITCH MODULE .

WARNING:

Before starting work on electrical equipment and removing the steering wheel, the following conditions must be fulfilled:

The technician must discharge themselves of static electricity. This is done by touching grounded metal parts, for example, water lines, heater pipes, metal supports or a workshop hoist. Refer to ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS .

If this not done, the Electronic Steering Column Lock Control Module -J764- could fail later.

Disconnect the battery ground cable. Refer to BATTERY, DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING .
The wheels must be in the straight position.

The airbag system may fail during future operation if these warnings are not followed!

-- Bring wheels in the straight position.

-- Pull the lever on the side of the steering column downward.

-- Push the steering column as far down as possible and remove it.

-- Push the lever on the side of the steering column upward again.

-- Remove the airbag unit. Refer to AIRBAG UNIT WITH IGNITER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the steering wheel. Refer to STEERING WHEEL, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the upper steering column trim panel. Refer to UPPER STEERING COLUMN TRIM PANEL, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the lower steering column trim panel. Refer to LOWER STEERING COLUMN TRIM PANEL, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the steering column switch module. Refer to OVERVIEW - STEERING COLUMN SWITCH MODULE .

Vehicles with Ignition Switch

-- Disconnect the connector -1-.

Fig 1: Identifying Ignition Switch Connector

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Vehicles with "Keyless Access" Keyless Locking and Starting System

-- Disconnect the connector -1-.

Fig 2: Identifying "Keyless Access" Keyless Locking And Starting System Connector

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Unclip the wire from the retainer on the Electronic Steering Column Lock Control Module -J764- -arrow-.

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- Remove the nut -arrow- and pull the ground off from the steering column.

Fig 3: Identifying Ground Wire And Nut

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Push the tabs -arrow- on both sides of the cable guide -1- toward the inside.

Fig 4: Identifying Cable Guide

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-- Pull the cable guide -1- out of the guide on the steering column.

-- Remove the bolts -1- and cover -2-.

Fig 5: Identifying Footwell Trim Panel

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the bolt -arrow- from the universal joint -1-, and then remove the universal joint in the direction of -arrow-.

Fig 6: Identifying Universal Joint And Screw

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:

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

Switching on the ignition
Turning the steering gear
Turning the steering column.

These points must be observed since performing these actions could cause irreparable damage.

Vehicles with Manual Transmission

Fig 7: Identifying Clutch Pedal Crash Bolster With Bolt

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the left bolt -1- and the clutch pedal crash bolster -2-.

Vehicles with a DSG ^® Transmission and Automatic Transmission

Fig 8: Identifying Bolt

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-- Remove the left steering column bolt -1-.

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- Remove the right bolt -1- and the brake pedal crash bolster -2-.

Fig 9: Identifying Brake Pedal Crash Bolster & Mounting Bolts

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-- Remove the bolt on the left side -1- while holding the steering column secure.

Fig 10: Identifying Bolt

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-- Lower the steering column -1- slightly.

Fig 11: Identifying Lowering Steering Column And Removing From Guide

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Pull the steering column -1- carefully forward out of the guide on the mounting bracket -arrow-.

CAUTION:

Pay particular attention to the correct handling and transport of the steering column. Refer to STEERING COLUMN, HANDLING AND TRANSPORTING .