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.
-- Remove the bolt -arrow- from the universal joint -1-, and then remove the universal joint in the direction of the -arrow-.
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 NOISE INSULATION .
-- Remove the exhaust system bracket from the subframe -arrows-.
-- Remove the pendulum support bolts -1-.
-- Remove the hex nut -1- from the right and left coupling rod -3-.
-- 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.
-- Remove the control arm from the ball joint.
-- Loosen the nut from the tie rod end, but do not unscrew yet.
To protect the thread, screw the nut on the pin a few turns.
-- Remove the tie rod end from the wheel bearing housing and remove the nut.
- :T10187
Vehicles with Level Control System Sensor
-- 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-.
-- If equipped, disconnect the connector -2- from the After-Run Coolant Pump - V51-. To do so, open the catch -3- in the direction of the -arrow- and release the connector.
-- Remove the clips -1 and 2- for the wiring harness -3- from the subframe and the steering gear.
-- Remove the steering gear bolts -1-.
-- Place the :VAS6931 or :VAG1383A -1- under the subframe.
-- 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.
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.
-- Unclip the wiring harness -1- from the steering gear -2- -arrows-.
-- Remove the expanding clip -arrow-.
-- 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 illustrated.
Avoid damage to the control module -1-.