Steering Gear, Removing And Installing: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

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

-- Disconnect the battery. Refer to BATTERY, DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING .

-- Remove the driver side instrument panel cover. Refer to DRIVER SIDE INSTRUMENT PANEL COVER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Fold back the carpet.

-- Remove the bolt -1- from the universal joint -2-, and then remove the universal joint in the direction of -arrow-.

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CAUTION:

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

Connecting the battery
Switching on the ignition
Turning the steering gear
Turning the steering column.

These points must be observed since performing these actions could cause irreparable damage.

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the wheels.

-- Remove the lower noise insulation. Refer to OVERVIEW - NOISE INSULATION .

-- Remove the rear noise insulation from the subframe. Refer to OVERVIEW - NOISE INSULATION .

-- If equipped, remove the center underbody trim panel. Refer to UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

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

Fig 1: Identifying Exhaust System Bracket (Suspended Mount) Bolts

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-- Remove the pendulum support bolts -1-.

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-- Remove the hex nut -1- from the right and left coupling rod -3-.

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-- Remove the coupling rod -3- from the stabilizer bar -2- on the left and right sides.

-- Remove the nuts -arrows- on the left and right side of the vehicle.

Fig 2: Identifying Nuts -Arrows- On Left And Right Side Of Vehicle, Removal

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-- Remove the control arm from the ball joint.

-- Loosen the nut from the tie rod end, but do not remove it yet. To protect the thread, screw the nut on the pin several turns.

Fig 3: Identifying Nut Of Track Rod Ball Joint

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-- Using the :T10187 , press the tie rod end off of the wheel bearing housing and remove the nut.

Vehicles with Level Control System Sensor

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-- Disconnect the connector -1- from the Left Front Level Control System Sensor -G78- or Right Front Level Control Sensor -G289-.

Continuation for All Vehicles

-- If equipped, disconnect the connector for the Oil Level Thermal Sensor -G266-.

-- Remove the clips -1 and 2- for the wiring harness -3- from the subframe and the steering gear.

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-- Remove the steering gear bolts -1-.

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-- Place the :VAS6931 or :VAG1383A -1- under the subframe.

Fig 4: Identifying Engine/Gearbox Jack

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-- Secure the subframe (refer to SUBFRAME, SECURING ) and lower it approximately 10 cm.

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Vehicles with Long Shield

-- Remove the bolts -arrows- and remove the heat shield -1- from the steering gear.

NOTE:

Different heat shields -1- are installed depending on the engine. On some engine versions, the connectors for the steering gear are accessible without having to remove the heat shield.

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

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-- Unclip the wiring harness -1- from the steering gear -2- -arrows-.

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-- Remove the expanding clip -arrow-.

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-- Lower the subframe using the :VAS6931 or :VAG1383A .

-- Pry the steering gear off of the subframe, for example, using a large screwdriver and remove it toward the rear.

-- Set the steering gear down as shown.

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Avoid damage to the control module -1-.