Removing and installing steering rack, right-hand drive (3rd generation) from model year 2009 — VW

🧭 Before you start

Disconnect the battery, remove the footwell trim and separate the universal joint from the rack. Raise the car, remove the wheels, insulation and track rod ends, detach the exhaust bracket, pendulum support and heat shield, fix the subframe position and lower it on the jack. Unplug the rack and lift it out to the right. Refit with the bulkhead seal lubricated and lying flat, then perform the G85 and J500 basic settings and check the wheel alignment.

Fits: VW Touran I (1T, 2003–2015)

Don't miss

• With the universal joint off, do not switch on the ignition or turn rack or column.
• Fix the subframe position before lowering it so the alignment is retained.
• Lubricate the rack seal with soft soap and make sure it is not kinked at the footwell opening.
• Carry out G85 and J500 basic settings; recode J500 if parking aid 2 is fitted.
• Leave the track rod nut on a few turns while pushing the ball joint off.
• Check the wheel alignment after installation.

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

📋 Procedure

1. Disconnect battery 27Battery; Disconnecting and reconnecting battery.
2. Remove footwell trim General body repairs, interior68Compartments, covers and trims; Removing and installing footwell trim.
3. Unscrew nut (1).
4. Pull out pin (2) and remove clip complete.
5. Slide footwell trim (3) upwards in (direction of arrow) and remove.

6. Remove bolt (1) for universal joint and pull universal joint (2) off steering rack.
7. ⚠ 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.
8. Raise vehicle.
9. Remove front wheels.
10. Remove lower noise insulation 50Assembly overview - noise insulation.
11. Loosen nut on track rod ball joint but do not remove completely.
12. ⚠ Leave nut screwed on a few turns to protect thread on pin. — Push track rod ball joint off wheel bearing housing and remove nut.
13. Detach exhaust system bracket from subframe (arrows).
14. Disconnect pendulum support from gearbox by removing bolts (14).
15. Remove bolts (arrows) from heat shield.
16. Remove heat shield from subframe.
17. Remove bolts (5) and (6) for steering rack.
18. Fix position of subframe .
19. Separate connector for extended service intervals on oil sump.
20. Position engine and gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A(1) under subframe.
21. Remove bolts (9) and (10) and lower subframe with bracket slightly. Observe electrical wiring.
22. Unscrew bolts (arrows) and remove shield (1) over steering rack.
23. Remove cable guide from subframe (arrow).
24. Unclip all remaining cable clips on steering rack.
25. Separate connectors from steering rack.
26. Lower subframe carefully with engine/gearbox jackV.A.G 1383 A.
27. Lift steering rack down off subframe and remove it to right.
28. Put steering rack down as shown. [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, make sure 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.]
29. Attach lower noise insulation 50Assembly overview - noise insulation.
30. Bolt universal joint to steering rack.
31. Connect battery 27Battery; Disconnecting and reconnecting battery.
32. Carry out basic setting for steering angle sender G85 using .
33. Check wheel alignment .
34. Perform basic setting for power steering control unit J500 using . [Note: If parking aid 2 is fitted in the vehicle, the power steering control unit J500 must be recoded .]

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