Steering Gear: Removing

NOTE:

Correct any faults stored in the DTC memory before replacing the steering gear using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

-- Connect the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester and start "Guided Fault Finding".

Follow the instructions on the screen.

-- Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and remove the ignition key so that the steering wheel lock engages.

Vehicle with "Keyless Access" Keyless Locking and Starting System

-- Switch the ignition off and open the driver door so the steering wheel lock locks.

Continuation for all Vehicles

-- Disconnect battery [For transmission(s) 0A6, 09M] Removal and Installation .

-- Remove foot well trim -1-, unscrew nuts -arrows- to do so.

Fig 1: Foot Well Trim & Nuts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the bolt -1- and remove the universal joint -2- from the steering gear.

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Gear Universal Joint

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:

If the universal joint is separated from the steering gear, the following work cannot be performed:

Connect the battery.
Switch on the ignition.
Turning the steering gear
Turning the steering column

These points must be observed, because otherwise it can cause irreparable damage.

-- Remove the front wheels.

-- Loosen nut of track rod ball joint, but do not unscrew yet.

CAUTION:

To protect thread, screw nut on pin a few turns.

-- Press off track rod ball joint from wheel bearing housing using Ball Joint Puller 3287A and now unscrew nut.

Fig 3: Pressing Off Tie Rod End From Wheel Bearing Housing Using Ball Joint Puller 3287A

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the lower noise insulation, refer to Description and Operation .

-- Remove coupling rods from stabilizer.

-- Remove the nuts -arrows-.

Fig 4: Control Arm To Ball Joint Nuts

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-- Remove the bolts -13- and then remove the pendulum support from the transmission.

Fig 5: Identifying Pendulum Support Bolts

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-- Remove exhaust system bracket from the subframe -arrows-.

Fig 6: Heat Shield Bolts

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With FWD

-- Remove bolts -arrows- from heat shield.

Fig 7: Locating Heat Shield Bolts

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-- Remove heat shield from subframe.

Continuation for all Vehicles

-- Remove the bolts -5- and -6- on the steering gear.

Fig 8: Identifying Steering Gear Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the stabilizer bar bolts -7- and -8-.

Fig 9: Identifying Stabilizer Bar Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Secure the subframe, refer to SUBFRAME, SECURING .

-- Disconnect the connector for the service interval extension to the oil pan.

-- Place Engine-/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A under subframe.

Fig 10: Engine/Transmission Jack V.A.G 1383 A Placed Below Subframe

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Place for example a block of wood -1- between Engine-/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A and subframe.

-- Remove the bolts -9- and -10- and slightly lower the subframe. Pay attention the electrical wiring while doing this.

Fig 11: Identifying Subframe Bolts

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-- Remove heat shield -1- above exhaust system.

Fig 12: Heat Shield And Bolts Above Exhaust System

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-- Remove bolts -arrows-.

-- Remove cable guide from subframe -arrow-.

Fig 13: Cable Guide At Subframe

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Unclip all other cable mounting points on steering gear.

-- Disconnect the connectors -1- and -2- from the steering gear.

Fig 14: Steering Gear Connectors

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Carefully lower subframe using Engine-/Gearbox Jack VAG1383A.

-- Now, lift the stabilizer bar -1- toward the front, over the subframe -2- and down, while turning the stabilizer bar slightly.

Fig 15: Identifying Lift Stabilizer Toward Front, Over Console And Down From Subframe

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Lift down steering gear from subframe.

-- Set down steering gear as depicted in the figure.

Fig 16: Steering Gear Control Module

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

This prevents damage to the control module -1-.