Removing and installing steering rack, left-hand drive (APA) from model year 2011 — VW

🧭 Before you start

Lock the steering straight, disconnect the battery and separate the universal joint. Raise the car, remove the wheels, track rod ends, exhaust bracket, pendulum support and heat shield, fix the subframe position, support it and lower it. Unplug the rack, remove its shield and lift it out. On refit, check the pressure diaphragm, lubricate the bulkhead seal, reconnect and bolt up, then set the steering angle sender, check alignment and adapt the steering.

Fits: VW Touran I (1T, 2003–2015)

• Renewed: steering rack

Don't miss

• With the universal joint off, do not switch on the ignition or turn the rack or column.
• Leave the track rod nut on a few turns while pushing the joint off to protect the thread.
• Fix the subframe position before lowering it so alignment is preserved.
• Renew the steering rack if the white pressure diaphragm is damaged.
• Afterwards: basic setting of G85, wheel alignment check and steering adaptation.

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

📋 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 by removing nuts (arrows).
5. Unscrew bolt (arrow) from universal joint (1) and pull off universal joint in (direction of arrow).

6. ⚠ If the universal joint has been disconnected from the steering rack, make sure NOT to:Switch on the ignition;Turn the steering rack;Turn the steering column.It is essential to comply with these points, otherwise irreparable damage may be the result. — Loosen wheel bolts.
7. Raise vehicle.
8. Remove front wheels.
9. Remove lower noise insulation General body repairs, exterior50Assembly overview - noise insulation.
10. Loosen nut on track rod ball joint but do not remove completely.
11. ⚠ Leave nut screwed on a few turns to protect thread on pin. — Push track rod ball joint off wheel bearing housing and remove nut.
12. Detach exhaust system bracket from subframe (arrows).
13. Disconnect pendulum support from gearbox by removing bolts (14).
14. Remove bolts (arrows) on heat shield, if fitted.
15. Remove heat shield from subframe, if fitted.
16. Remove bolts (5) and (6) for steering rack.
17. Fix position of subframe and brackets.
18. Separate connector for extended service intervals on oil sump.
19. Position engine and gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A(1) under subframe.
20. Remove bolts (9) and (10) and lower subframe with bracket slightly. In the process, observe electrical wiring.
21. Unscrew bolts (arrows) and remove shield (1) over steering rack.
22. Remove cable guide from subframe (arrow).
23. Unclip all remaining cable clips on steering rack.
24. Separate connectors (1) and (2) from steering rack.
25. Lower subframe carefully with engine/gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A.
26. Lift steering rack down off subframe and remove it to right.
27. Put steering rack down as shown.
28. Check that white pressure diaphragm (arrow) is clean and undamaged.
29. Clean pressure diaphragm carefully if necessary. [Note: Renew steering rack if pressure diaphragm is damaged.]
30. Plug in connectors (1) and (2) so they audibly engage [Note: Coat seal on steering rack with suitable lubricant, e.g. soft soap, before installing steering rack.After fitting the steering rack to the universal joint ensure that the seal is not kinked against the assembly plate on the steering rack. The opening to the footwell must be sealed correctly. Otherwise, this can result in water leaks and/or noise.Ensure sealing surfaces are clean.]
31. Attach lower noise insulation 50Assembly overview - noise insulation.
32. Bolt universal joint to steering rack.
33. Connect battery 27Battery; Disconnecting and reconnecting battery.
34. Carry out basic setting for steering angle sender G85 using .
35. Check wheel alignment .
36. Adapt electromechanical power-assisted steering using .

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