Steering column switches, removing and installing: Removing

Disconnect battery ground (GND) strap.
Center steering wheel, i.e. wheels in straight-ahead position.
Move adjustable steering column all the out and set to lowest position.
WARNING: Always follow airbag safety precautions when working on airbag system components. See appropriate Air Bag Restraint Systems article in Restraints.
Using T30 Torx bit -1-, unbolt airbag unit on both left and right sides of steering wheel (tightening torque: 7 Nm).

Fig 1: Unbolting Airbag Unit Using T30 Torx Bit
Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.
Carefully remove airbag unit.
Remove electrical connector from airbag unit and place airbag unit with impact padding facing up.
Remove both Phillips-head screws -8- and remove upper steering column switch trim -1-. See Fig 2.
Disconnect electrical harness connector to spiral spring.
Remove hex nut -12- and remove steering wheel -11- from steering column (tightening torque: 50 Nm). See Fig 2.
CAUTION: Be sure not to move the spiral spring out of the center position when removing the steering wheel.
Remove the three Phillips-head screws -5- and -6- as well as the Torx bolt (T25) -9- and then remove the lower steering column switch trim -7-. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Exploded View Of Steering Column Switches & Components
Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect harness connector for electric steering column adjustment.
Loosen socket head bolt (5 mm) -2- at clamping sleeve enough that steering column switch can be moved slightly. See Fig 2.
Carefully disconnect electrical harness connectors from steering column switch.
Remove steering column switch from steering column and set aside.