Removing and installing steering column, electric steering column, RHD vehicles — VW

🧭 Before you start

Disconnect the battery and set the wheels straight, then remove the airbag, wheel, switch module and trims. Unplug the column wiring, remove the earth wire and articulated shaft bolt, take out the crash bar and lower the column out of its guide. On refit, fit a new assembly aid, locate the column in the guide, start and tighten the bolts in sequence and fit a new articulated shaft bolt. Reconnect everything and readapt the steering.

Fits: platform codes 121, BL1

Don't miss

• Disconnect the battery earth and set the wheels straight ahead before removing the airbag.
• Fit a new assembly aid to the steering column before installation.
• Follow the bolting sequence strictly when installing the column.
• Use a new bolt on the articulated shaft and tighten it to specified torque.
• Readapt the steering every time the column has been removed or renewed.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

📋 Procedure

1. ⚠ The following conditions must be met before starting work on the electrical system and removing the steering wheel:Risk of injury! Observe warnings and safety regulations Electrical system, general information27Battery; Warnings and safety regulations.Disconnect earth strap from battery Electrical system27Battery; Disconnecting and connecting batteryA.Wheels must be in straight-ahead position.Failure to comply with these precautions may lead to subsequent failure of the airbag system! — Turn wheels to straight-ahead position.
2. Pull down lever on side of steering column.
3. Swing steering column down as far as possible and pull out.
4. Press lever on side of steering column back up.
5. Remove driver side airbag unit General body repairs, interior69Driver side airbag; Removing and installing airbag unit with igniter.

6. Remove steering wheel .
7. Remove steering column combination switch E595Electrical system94Steering column switch module; Assembly overview - steering column switch module.
8. Remove lower steering column trim 68Compartments/covers; Removing and installing lower steering column trim.
9. Remove upper steering column trim 68Compartments/covers; Removing and installing upper steering column trim.
10. Remove dash panel trim below steering column General body repairs, interior70Dash panel; Assembly overview - dash panel.
11. Unclip wiring harness (1) from steering column (arrow).
12. Push lug (2) of bracket (1) in direction of (arrow A).
13. At the same time, push bracket (1) in direction of (arrow B) out of guide on steering column.
14. Disconnect connector (1) from steering lock.
15. Unscrew bolt (2) and remove earth wire from steering column (3).
16. Unplug connector (1) from immobiliser reader coil D2.
17. Remove wire from retainer (arrow).
18. Disconnect connectors (1) and (2) from steering column electronics control unit J500.
19. Remove bolt (1).
20. Pull steering column articulated shaft (2) in (direction of arrow) off steering column and lay to side.
21. Unscrew bolt (1), and, while doing so, remove crash bar (2).
22. Unscrew bolts (arrows) from steering column and hold steering column.
23. Lower steering column (1) slightly and carefully pull forwards out of guide (2) on cross member.
24. ⚠ Take great care to ensure the steering column is handled and transported correctly . — Fit new assembly aid to steering column . [Note: When installing steering column, adhere strictly to bolting sequence.]
25. Insert steering column (1) carefully into guide (2) on cross member.
26. Insert crash bar (2), and tighten bolt (1).
27. Swivel steering column upwards until it engages in cross member.
28. Start steering column bolts (arrows).
29. Tighten bolt (1).
30. Tighten steering column bolts (arrows).
31. Fit steering column articulated shaft (2) to steering column in opposite (direction of arrow) and tighten new bolt (1) to specified torque.
32. Connect connectors (1) and (2) to steering column electronics control unit J500.
33. Connect connector (1) to immobiliser reader coil D2.
34. Fit wire to retainer (arrow).
35. Secure earth wire to steering column (3) by means of bolt (2).
36. Connect connector (1) to steering lock.
37. Push bracket (1) in opposite direction of (arrow B) into guide on steering column.
38. Make sure that lug (2) of bracket (1) engages in steering column.
39. Clip in wiring harness (1) on steering column (arrow).
40. Install dash panel trim below steering column General body repairs, interior70Dash panel; Assembly overview - dash panel.
41. Install steering column combination switch E595Electrical system94Steering column switch module; Assembly overview - steering column switch module.
42. Install upper steering column trim 68Compartments/covers; Removing and installing upper steering column trim.
43. Install lower steering column trim 68Compartments/covers; Removing and installing lower steering column trim.
44. Install steering wheel .
45. Install airbag unit General body repairs, interior69Driver side airbag; Removing and installing airbag unit with igniter.
46. Steering mechanism needs to be readapted every time after the steering column has been renewed or reinstalled after removal .
47. ⚠ When connecting battery ensure that no people are in the vehicle! — Connect earth strap to battery Electrical system27Battery; Disconnecting and connecting battery.

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