Steering Column, Removing And Installing: Removing

NOTE:

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

Vehicles with Ignition Switch

The steering lock housing can be replaced. Refer to Steering Column Switch Module, Removing and Installing .

Vehicles with "Keyless Access" Keyless Locking and Starting System

The Electronic Steering Column Lock Control Module -J764- can be removed and installed. Refer to Electronic Steering Column Lock Control Module -J764-, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

Continuation for All Vehicles

WARNING:

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

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

If this not done, the Electronic Steering Column Lock Control Module -J764- could fail later.

Disconnect the battery. 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 Overview - Driver Side Airbag .

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

-- Remove the upper steering column trim panel. Refer to Storage Compartments and Covers .

-- Remove the lower steering column trim panel. Refer to Storage Compartments and Covers .

-- Remove the steering column switch module. Refer to Steering Column Switch Module, Removing and Installing .

-- Remove the knee airbag. Refer to Knee Airbags .

Vehicles with Mechanical Ignition Lock

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the connector -1- from the Anti-Theft Immobilizer Reader Coil -D2-.

-- Remove the connector -2- from the ignition/starter switch -1-.

Vehicles with Electronic Ignition Lock

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-.

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- Remove the footwell vent under the steering column. Refer to appropriate service information. .

-- Remove the bolts -1 and 2-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the left bracket for the knee airbag -3-.

-- Remove the bolts -1 and 2-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the right bracket for the knee airbag -3-.

-- Release the tab in direction of -arrow- using a small screwdriver.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the cable guide -1- forward from the metal tab.

-- Release the lower cable bracket -1- at the tabs in the direction of the -arrow-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

The tabs are directly anchored in the steering column and are located between the bracket -1- and the steering column.

-- Remove the cable bracket -1- downward.

-- Release the tabs -arrows- on the cable guide -1- with a small screwdriver.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the cable guide -1- downward from the steering column.

-- Release the lower cable bracket -2- and remove it downward.

-- Set the wire for the steering column aside.

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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the bolt -1- from the universal joint -2-. 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 steering gear, the following work cannot be performed:

Connect the battery.
Switch the ignition on.
Turn the steering gear.
Turn the steering column.

These points must be observed since performing these actions could cause irreparable damage.

-- Remove the bolt -1- and hold the steering column -2-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Disengage the steering column -1- upward from the tabs -2 and 3- on the mounting bracket and remove it.

CAUTION:

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