Steering Column, Removing And Installing: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg, 2016 Volkswagen Touareg, and 2015 Volkswagen Touareg. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

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

If the steering column is replaced, the Electronic Steering Column Lock Control Module -J764- is already installed on the new steering column and does not need to be modified.

If a power adjustable steering column is replaced, the Power Adjustable Steering Column Control Module -J866- is already installed on the new steering column and does not need to be modified.

Vehicles with an Air Spring Shock Absorber

-- Activate the vehicle lift mode and place the vehicle on the lifting platform. Refer to VEHICLE LIFT MODE .

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- Remove left front wheel.

-- Remove the noise insulation. Refer to OVERVIEW - NOISE INSULATION .

-- Remove the left front wheel liner. Refer to FRONT WHEEL HOUSING LINER .

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

WARNING:

Before performing work on the electrical system and removing the steering wheel, the following conditions must be met:

Remove the battery ground cable. Refer to Battery, Disconnecting and Connecting .
The wheels must be straight.

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

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

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

-- Remove the footwell cover -1- on the driver side. Refer to FOOTWELL COVERS, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

Fig 1: Identifying Footwell Cover -1- On Driver Side

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-- If equipped remove the knee airbag. Refer to KNEE AIRBAG, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- If equipped, remove screws -arrows-.

Fig 2: Identifying Heat Shield -1- And Universal Joint -2-, Removal

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-- Remove the heat shield -1- from the steering gear -2-.

-- Remove the bolt -arrow- of the universal joint -1-.

Fig 3: Identifying Bolt -Arrow- Of Universal Joint -1-

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-- Remove the universal joint -1- from the power steering gear -2-.

WARNING:

Danger of getting burned by the exhaust system depending on the engine installed.

-- Unscrew the nuts -arrows- at the protective boot -1-.

Fig 4: Identifying Nuts -Arrows- At Protective Boot -1-

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-- Detach the cable bracket -arrow- from the wiring harness -1- at the steering column -2-.

Fig 5: Identifying Cable Bracket -Arrow- From Wiring Harness -1- At Steering Column -2-

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-- Move the wiring harness to the side.

Vehicles with a Power Adjustable Steering Column

Fig 6: Identifying Harness Connector -2- To Power Adjustable Steering Column -1-

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-- Release and disconnect the harness connector -2- of the wiring harness for the power adjustable steering column -1- behind the instrument cluster.

Continuation for Both Vehicles

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- from the steering column -1-.

Fig 7: Identifying Steering Column And Bolts

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-- Unscrew the threaded connection -arrows- between the steering column and the frequency damper.

Fig 8: Identifying Steering Column -1- And Bolt -Arrows

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-- Support the steering column -1- from underneath with one hand and remove the bolt.

Vehicles with a Power Adjustable Steering Column

-- Disconnect the connector -arrow- from the Electronic Steering Column Lock Control Module -J764- -1-.

Continuation for Both Vehicles

-- Carefully lower the steering column.

-- Fold back the floor covering in the protective boot area in the driver footwell.

-- Remove the steering column and protective boot from the vehicle.

Fig 9: Identifying Connector -Arrow- To Electronic Steering Column Lock Control Module -1-

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.