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 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 replaced. Refer to STEERING COLUMN SWITCH MODULE .

WARNING:

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

The technician must electrostatic discharge. This is done by touching a grounded metal part, for example, water lines, heater pipe, metal carriers 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 .
The wheels must be straight.

The airbag system may fail at a later time if these warnings are not followed!

-- Straighten the wheels.

-- 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 DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG .

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

-- Remove the steering column trim. Refer to STORAGE COMPARTMENTS AND COVERS .

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

Vehicles With Ignition Switch

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Disconnect the connector -1-.

Vehicle With "Keyless Access" Keyless Locking And Starting System

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Disconnect the connector -1-.

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

For All Vehicles

-- Press the tabs -arrow- on both sides of the cable guide -1- toward the inside and remove it -1- from the guide on the steering column.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the ground cable from the steering column.

-- Remove the bolts -1- and remove the footwell trim panel -2-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the bolt -arrow- from the universal joint -1-. Then remove the universal joint in direction of -arrow-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:

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

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

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

Vehicles With Manual Transmission

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the left bolt and remove the clutch pedal crash brace.

Vehicles With DSG Transmission And Automatic Transmission

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the left steering column bolt.

For All Vehicles

-- Remove the bolts, the impact bolster, the brake pedal and hold the steering column secure.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Lower the steering column -1- and carefully remove it from the guide -arrow-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:

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