Removing and installing steering rack, left-hand drive: VW Golf VI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: VW Golf VI (5K, 2008–2013)

• Special tools named: V.A.G 1383

Don't miss

• Loosen nut on track rod ball joint but do not remove completely.
• Ensure that bellows are not damaged or twisted.

📋 Procedure

1. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position and remove ignition key so that the steering lock engages.
2. Switch off ignition and open driver's door so that the steering lock engages.
3. Disconnect battery. 27Battery; Disconnecting and reconnecting battery.
4. Remove footwell trim (1).
5. Remove bolt (1) and pull universal joint (2) off steering rack.

6. ⚠ When the universal joint is detached from steering rack, the following work must not be carried out:Switch on ignitionTurn steering rackTurn steering columnIt is essential that these points are observed, since this can lead to irreparable damage otherwise. — Remove front wheels.
7. Loosen nut on track rod ball joint but do not remove completely.
8. ⚠ Leave nut screwed on a few turns to protect thread on pin. — Press track rod ball joint off wheel bearing housing with (3287A).
9. Remove lower noise insulation 50Assembly overview - noise insulation.
10. Unbolt nuts (1) from left and right coupling rods (2).
11. Pull out coupling rods (2) from anti-roll bar (3).
12. Remove nuts (arrows).
13. Disconnect pendulum support from gearbox by removing bolts (14).
14. Detach exhaust system bracket from subframe (arrows).
15. Remove bolts (arrows) on heat shield, if present.
16. Remove heat shield from subframe, if present.
17. Remove bolts (5) and (6) for steering rack.
18. Remove bolts (7) and (8) for anti-roll bar.
19. Fix position of subframe and brackets.
20. Separate connector for extended service intervals on oil sump.
21. Position engine and gearbox jack (V.A.G 1383 A) under subframe.
22. Place a wooden block (1) or similar between V.A.G 1383 A and subframe.
23. Remove bolts (9) and (10) and lower subframe with bracket slightly. Observe electrical wiring.
24. Remove heat shield (1) over steering rack.
25. Remove bolts (arrows).
26. Remove cable guide from subframe (arrow).
27. Unclip all remaining cable clips on steering rack.
28. Pull connectors (arrows) off steering rack.
29. Lower subframe carefully with engine/gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A.
30. Now lift anti-roll bar (1) forwards over subframe (2) and down while turning anti-roll bar slightly.
31. Unbolt steering rack from subframe.
32. Set steering rack down as illustrated.
33. Push on connectors (arrows) so that they engage audibly. [Note: Coat seal on steering rack with suitable lubricant, e.g. soft soap, before installing steering rack.After fitting the steering rack to the drive shaft, ensure that the seal is not kinked when lying against the assembly plate and that the opening to the footwell is correctly sealed. Otherwise, this can result in water leaks and/or noise.Ensure sealing surfaces are clean.]
34. Connect electrical connections to steering rack.
35. Install lower noise insulation. 50Assembly overview - noise insulation. [Note: Ensure that bellows are not damaged or twisted.]
36. Bolt universal joint to steering rack.
37. Connect battery. 27Battery; Disconnecting and reconnecting battery.
38. Carry out basic setting for steering angle sender G85 using vehicle diagnosis, testing and information systemVAS 5051.
39. Check wheel alignment .
40. Carry out adaption of electromechanical steering using vehicle diagnosis, testing and information systemVAS 5051.

Other VW procedures

• Removing engine · 41 torque figures
• Removing and installing camshaft – VW Golf Cabriolet · 47 torque figures
• Adjusting valve timing – VW Passat B5 · 83 torque figures
• Removing and installing camshafts – VW Passat B6 · 39 torque figures
• Removing and installing coolant pump · 53 torque figures
• Removing and installing left trim on seat with manual height adjustment · 2 torque figures
• Removing sliding/tilting sunroof solar panel · 3 torque figures
• Renewing left oil seal – VW Jetta VI 2.0 · 1 torque figures
• Removing and installing upper left coolant pipe – VW 3.0 TDI
• Removing and installing longitudinal adjustment motor · 2 torque figures