Removing and installing steering column, steel steering column — VW

🧭 Before you start

Preparation: battery disconnected, wheels straight ahead, airbag, steering wheel, switch module and trims removed. The column wiring, earth and immobiliser connector are freed, the footwell trim and universal joint come off, then the crash bar and column bolts. The column is lowered and pulled forwards out of the cross member guide. On installation a new assembly aid is fitted, the column is inserted and swivelled up until it engages, bolts are started then tightened in sequence, and the universal joint goes on with a new bolt. Trims, wheel and airbag follow, and the battery is reconnected with nobody in the car.

Fits: platform codes 121, BL1

Don't miss

• Wheels must be straight ahead before the column is disturbed, or the airbag system can fail later.
• Fit a new assembly aid to the steering column before installation.
• Follow the bolting sequence strictly: start all bolts, then tighten in order.
• Use a new universal joint bolt and tighten to specified torque.
• Nobody in the vehicle when the battery is reconnected.

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. Remove driver side airbag unit General body repairs, interior69Driver side airbag; Removing and installing airbag unit with igniter.
3. Remove steering wheel .
4. Remove steering column combination switch E595Electrical system94Steering column switch module; Assembly overview - steering column switch module.
5. Remove lower steering column trim 68Compartments/covers; Removing and installing lower steering column trim.

6. Remove upper steering column trim 68Compartments/covers; Removing and installing upper steering column trim.
7. Remove dash panel trim below steering column General body repairs, interior70Dash panel; Assembly overview - dash panel.
8. Unclip wiring harness (1) from steering column (arrows).
9. Disconnect connector (1) from steering lock.
10. Unscrew bolt (2) and remove earth wire from steering column (3).
11. Unplug connector (1) from immobiliser reader coil D2.
12. Remove wire from retainer (arrow).
13. Unscrew bolts (1) and remove footwell trim (2).
14. Unscrew bolt (1) from universal joint (2) and pull off universal joint in (direction of arrow).
15. Unscrew nut (1).
16. Pull out bolt (2) and remove crash bar (3).
17. Unscrew bolts (arrows) from steering column and hold steering column.
18. Lower steering column (1) slightly and carefully pull forwards out of guide (2) on cross member.
19. Fit new assembly aid to steering column . [Note: When installing steering column, adhere strictly to bolting sequence.]
20. Insert steering column (1) carefully into guide (2) on cross member.
21. Insert bolt (2) and crash bar (3).
22. Start nut (1).
23. Swivel steering column upwards until it engages in cross member.
24. Start steering column bolts (arrows).
25. Tighten bolt (2).
26. Tighten steering column bolts (arrows).
27. Fit universal joint (2) to steering rack in opposite direction of (arrow), and tighten new bolt (1) to specified torque.
28. Connect connector (1) to immobiliser reader coil D2.
29. Fit wire to retainer (arrow).
30. Secure earth wire to steering column (3) by means of bolt (2).
31. Connect connector (1) to steering lock.
32. Clip in wiring harness (1) on steering column (arrows).
33. Install dash panel trim below steering column General body repairs, interior70Dash panel; Assembly overview - dash panel.
34. Install steering column combination switch E595Electrical system94Steering column switch module; Assembly overview - steering column switch module.
35. Install upper steering column trim 68Compartments/covers; Removing and installing upper steering column trim.
36. Install lower steering column trim 68Compartments/covers; Removing and installing lower steering column trim.
37. Install steering wheel .
38. Install airbag unit General body repairs, interior69Driver side airbag; Removing and installing airbag unit with igniter.
39. ⚠ 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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