Removing and installing steering column (Polo hatchback IN, Polo saloon IN, Polo saloon SA, Polo hatchback MY, Polo saloon MY) — VW

🧭 Before you start

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• Mask dash panel in area of steering column (1) using suitable material (e.g. textile adhesive tape), to protect dash panel from damage!
• Take great care to ensure the steering column is handled and transported correctly . — Guide steering column (B) into module carrier at an angle of approx. 15° (E).
• Steering column (B) must lie correctly in the shackle of the module carrier (C).
• For clarity, the installation steps are shown without other parts in the vicinity.

🔩 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. Pull cover (1) out of catches in lower area (arrows) and remove from dash panel.
2. Unscrew securing screws (arrows) (4 Nm) and move fuse holder under dash panel to side and secure. — 4 Nm (3.0 lb-ft)
3. Remove footwell vent on drive side Heating80.
4. ⚠ The following conditions must be met before starting work on the electrical system and removing the steering wheel:Earth strap disconnected from battery 27Battery; Disconnecting and reconnecting battery. 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.
5. Remove airbag General body repairs, interior 69. Airbag; Removing and installing driver airbag module.

6. Remove steering wheel (see the separate procedure).
7. Remove steering column trim General body repairs, interior70.
8. Remove steering column switch Electrical system 94. Steering column switch; Removing and installing steering column switch.
9. Unplug connector (1) from immobiliser reader coil D2.
10. Pull connector (2) off steering lock housing.
11. Unbolt earth cable for steering column.
12. Remove earth cable and steering column switch line from cable retainer.
13. Remove drive shaft for steering column (see the separate procedure). [Note: Mask dash panel in area of steering column (1) using suitable material (e.g. textile adhesive tape), to protect dash panel from damage!]
14. Unscrew securing bolt (arrow) from mounting bracket on left of brake pedal.
15. Unscrew bolts (arrows) from steering column and hold steering column.
16. Carefully take steering column out through dash panel.
17. ⚠ Take great care to ensure the steering column is handled and transported correctly (see the separate procedure). — Guide steering column (B) into module carrier at an angle of approx. 15° (E).
18. Steering column (B) must lie correctly in the shackle of the module carrier (C).
19. Push steering column upwards (B) by means of centring element (A) until (D) it engages. [Note: For clarity, the installation steps are shown without other parts in the vicinity.] [Note: When installing steering column, adhere strictly to bolting sequence. Pull steering column against stop (arrow) before bolting on.]
20. Install securing bolt (arrow) first.
21. Tighten steering column bolts (arrows).
22. Fit wiring connectors (1) on steering lock housing.
23. Connect plug (2) of immobiliser reader coil D2.
24. Insert earth cable and steering column switch line into cable retainer.
25. Tighten earth cable for steering column.
26. Insert cable in cable retainer and close at tabs.
27. Install drive shaft for steering column (see the separate procedure).
28. Install steering column switch Electrical system 94. Steering column switch; Removing and installing steering column switch.
29. Install steering column trim General body repairs, interior70.
30. Steering mechanism needs to be readapted every time after the steering column has been renewed or reinstalled after removal (see the separate procedure).

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