Steering Column, Removing And Installing: Removing

NOTE:

The steering column is only delivered complete with the Access/Start Authorization Control Module -J518- as a replacement part. Service is not possible.

If the steering column was replaced, then start program Access/Start Authorization Control Module -J518- - replace control module - in Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

WARNING:

Before removing steering wheel, wheels must be in straight-ahead position.
Follow safety precautions when working on airbag, refer to Passenger Protection, Airbags, Seat Belts .
If these measures are not observed, the airbag system may not function properly during vehicle operation!

-- Set the wheels to the straight ahead position.

-- Place selector lever in position "N" and switch ignition off.

-- Remove the driver airbag unit, refer to Passenger Protection, Airbags, Seat Belts .

-- Remove steering wheel, refer to AIRBAG STEERING WHEEL, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Remove driver side footwell trim, refer to Interior Equipment .

-- Remove screws -arrows 2- and remove handle.

Fig 1: Identifying Bolts -Arrows 1 And 2-

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-- Remove screws -arrows 1-.

-- Remove screws with Special Screwdriver T40056A and remove steering column trim.

-- Remove Brake Light Switch -F-, refer to Mechanical Components .

-- With vehicles with air suspension, place vehicle on hoist, refer to POSITIONING VEHICLE ON HOIST AND WHEELS .

-- Remove the steering column switch, refer to STEERING COLUMN SWITCH MODULE OVERVIEW .

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Only remove front noise insulation -1-.

Fig 2: Locating Front/Rear Noise Insulation

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-- Remove the heat shield -A- from steering gear (2 bolts).

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Gear Heat Shield -A-

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-- Turn the steering pinion on the steering gear approximately ¹ /₂ turn.

-- Remove universal joint screw -B- from steering gear. Remove universal joint from steering gear.

-- Carefully slide lower shaft into upper shaft until stop.

On some engine versions, the upper nuts are also accessible from above through engine compartment.

Applies to Vehicles with an 8-Cylinder Gasoline Engine

Fig 4: Identifying Spring-Type Clips -1- And Intake Hose -2-

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-- Open spring-type clips -1- with Hose Clip Pliers VAS5024A and remove intake hose -2-.

Affects All Vehicles

Fig 5: Identifying Three Nuts Of Protective Boot

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-- Move the heat shield slightly to the left.

-- Remove the 3 protective boot nuts -arrows-.

-- Remove brackets -1- -arrows-. Disengage the wiring harness.

Fig 6: Identifying Brackets

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-- Release connector -2- and disconnect it.

Fig 7: Identifying Bracket -1- And Connector -2-

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-- Remove bracket -1- from control module.

-- Remove left wiring harness -arrows-.

Fig 8: Identifying Left Wiring Harness -Arrows-

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-- Disconnect connector -1- on vehicles with electrical steering column.

Fig 9: Identifying Connector -1- And Bolts

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-- Remove bolts -arrows-.

-- Disconnect harness connectors -1- and -3-. Remove wiring guide -2- upward from steering column.

Fig 10: Identifying Harness Connectors -1 & 3- And Wiring Guide -2-

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-- Remove bolts -arrows-.

Fig 11: Identifying Steering Column Bolts

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-- Remove bolt -1- and finally bolt -2-.

CAUTION:

Pay particular attention to the correct handling and transport of the steering column, refer to STEERING COLUMN, HANDLING AND TRANSPORTING .

-- Carefully remove steering column.

NOTE:

Upper and lower part of steering column must not be separated without being marked.

This may lead to rattling noises during later driving operations if the mesh section is not in its original installation position.

-- If the protective boot is to be removed, refer to PROTECTIVE BOOT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .