Removing and installing central tube — VW

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes A32, A33

• Renewed: if necessary

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• In area of bolts (1) and centring pin (3), use a scriber to mark vertical and horizontal position of cross member (2) in vehicle.
• In area of bolt (1) and centring pin (2), use a scriber to mark vertical and horizontal position of cross member (3) in vehicle.
• Before bolting dash panel central tube in place, align it in the vehicle using the marks made during removal.Before installing, check all fasteners for damage and renew if necessary.

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. Disconnect vehicle battery Electrical system27Battery; Disconnecting and reconnecting battery.
2. Removing dash panel .
3. Remove wiper arms. Electrical system92Windscreen wiper system; Removing and installing wiper arms.
4. Remove plenum chamber cover. General body repairs, exterior50Bulkhead; Removing and installing plenum chamber cover.
5. Remove plugs (3) from plenum chamber bulkhead (2).

6. Undo bolt (1) (20 Nm) in plenum chamber. — 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. Release spreader clip (1) and remove it upwards.
8. Remove defroster duct (4) from dash panel central tube (3).
9. Remove air distributor (2) from heating and air conditioning unit.
10. Detach steering column from cross member. Running gear, axles, steering48Steering column; Removing and installing steering column.
11. Unscrew bolts (1) and (2) (20 Nm). [Note: In area of bolts (1) and centring pin (3), use a scriber to mark vertical and horizontal position of cross member (2) in vehicle.] — 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. Remove bolts (1) on driver side (20 Nm). [Note: In area of bolt (1) and centring pin (2), use a scriber to mark vertical and horizontal position of cross member (3) in vehicle.] — 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
13. Remove bolt (1) on front passenger side (20 Nm). — 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
14. Release wiring harness retainers from cross member (1), depending on vehicle equipment.
15. Unscrew bolts (3) from fuse holder CSC(2) (3 Nm). — 3 Nm (2.2 lb-ft)
16. Undo nut (1) (9 Nm). — 9 Nm (6.6 lb-ft)
17. Undo nut (2) (4.5 Nm). — 4.5 Nm (3.3 lb-ft)
18. Detach dash panel central tube (3) in (direction of arrow) and pull a little towards the rear.
19. With aid of second mechanic, carefully lift dash panel central tube (3) out of vehicle. [Note: Before bolting dash panel central tube in place, align it in the vehicle using the marks made during removal.Before installing, check all fasteners for damage and renew if necessary.]

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