Steering Column, Removing And Installing: Removing

NOTE:

For vehicles with the Electronic Steering Column Lock Control Module -J764-, it is attached to the steering column with shear bolts and may only be replaced together with the entire steering column.

Use the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester for further information.

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 discharge themselves of static electricity. This is done by touching a grounded metal parts, for example, water lines, heater pipe, metal supports or a workshop hoist.

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 .

-- Steering Wheel, Removing. Refer to STEERING WHEEL, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove the steering column trim panel. Refer to OVERVIEW - STEERING COLUMN TRIM PANEL .

-- Remove the steering column switch. Refer to Steering Column Switch Module .

Vehicles with Ignition Switch

-- Disconnect the connector -1-.

Fig 1: Identifying Ignition Switch Connector

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Vehicles with "Keyless Access" keyless Locking and Starting System

-- Disconnect the connector -1-.

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

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-- 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

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-- 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.

Fig 4: Identifying Cable Guide

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

Fig 5: Identifying Footwell Trim Panel

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

Fig 6: Identifying Universal Joint And Screw

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CAUTION:

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

Ignition switched on.
Turning the steering gear
Turning the steering column

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

Vehicles with Manual Transmission

Fig 7: Identifying Clutch Pedal Crash Bolster With Bolt

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-- 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- and carefully remove it from the guide -arrow-.

Fig 11: Identifying Lowering Steering Column And Removing From Guide

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CAUTION:

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