Steering Column: Disassembly

On lower steering shaft, remove clamp bolt attaching lower flange tube to upper flange tube. Separate flange tubes and remove bearing flange, bearing, support ring, spring and washer. See Fig 1 .
Push upper flange tube toward steering shaft until components can be separated. Remove flange tube bushings with plastic bushings. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Lower Steering Column
Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC
Remove lower flange tube-to-clamp bolts. Separate lower flange tube from clamp. Inspect joint disc, safety strap and lock plates for damage or wear.
On steering shaft, slide column tube off steering shaft. Inspect steering shaft, support ring and steering lock assembly for wear or damage. Replace components as necessary. See Figure .