Steering Gear, Removing And Installing: Removing

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

Vehicles with "Keyless Access" Keyless Locking and Starting System

-- Switch the ignition off and open the driver door so the steering wheel lock engages.

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- Remove the bolts -1- and fold the footwell trim panel -2- in the direction of the arrow into the vehicle interior.

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-- Remove the bolt -1- from the universal joint -2-, and then remove the universal joint in the direction of -arrow-.

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CAUTION:

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

Connect the battery.
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.

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the wheels.

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

-- Remove the exhaust system bracket from the subframe -arrows-.

Fig 1: Identifying Exhaust System Bracket (Suspended Mount) Bolts

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-- Remove the pendulum support bolts -1-.

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-- Remove the hex nut -1- from the right and left coupling rod -3-.

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-- Remove the coupling rod -3- from the stabilizer bar -2- on the left and right sides.

-- Remove the nuts -arrows- on the left and right side of the vehicle.

Fig 2: Identifying Nuts -Arrows- On Left And Right Side Of Vehicle, Removal

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-- Remove the control arm from the ball joint.

-- Loosen the nut from the tie rod end, but do not remove it yet.

Fig 3: Identifying Nut Of Track Rod Ball Joint

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CAUTION:

To protect the thread, screw the nut on the pin several turns.

-- Remove the tie rod end from the wheel bearing housing and remove the nut.

: T10187

Vehicles with a Level Control System Sensor

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-- Disconnect the connector -1- from the Left Front Level Control System Sensor -G78- or Right Front Level Control Sensor -G289-.

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- Disconnect the connector -1- for the Oil Level Thermal Sensor -G266-.

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-- If equipped, disconnect the connector -2- from the After-Run Coolant Pump -V51-. To do so, open the catch -3- in the direction of -arrow- and release the connector.

-- Remove the clips -1 and 2- for the wiring harness -3- from the subframe and the steering gear.

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-- Remove the steering gear bolts -1-.

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-- Place the : VAS6931 or : VAG1383A -1- under the subframe.

Fig 4: Identifying Engine/Gearbox Jack

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-- Secure the subframe (refer to SUBFRAME, SECURING ) and lower it approximately 10 cm.

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- and remove the heat shield -1- from the steering gear.

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NOTE:

Different heat shields -1- are installed depending on the engine. On some engine versions, the connectors for the steering gear are accessible without having to remove the heat shield.

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

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-- Unclip the wiring harness -1- from the steering gear -2- -arrows-.

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-- Remove the expanding clip -arrow-.

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-- Lower the subframe using the : VAS6931 or : VAG1383A .

-- Pry the steering gear off of the subframe, for example, using a large screwdriver and remove it toward the rear.

-- Set the steering gear down as shown.

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Avoid damage to the control module -1-.