Note: The subframe is removed together with the suspension arms.
Remove front wheels. If the wheels are in a straight line, secure the steering wheel against unforeseen movement with adhesive tape -arrow-. Unscrew nut -1- and pull off floor covering in -direction of arrow-. Loosen bolt -1- and remove universal joint -2- from steering gear shaft. Remove the front wheels; Remove soundproof cover.
On vehicles with automatic headlight range control, unplug connector from front left level sender -G78-.
Detach bracket for exhaust system -arrows- from subframe.
Detach struts -3- from stabilizer bar -2- on both sides.
Detach the lower support of the power unit from the gearbox. To do this, unscrew bolts -1-.
Unscrew ball joint nuts -arrows-. Loosen the nuts on both tie rod ends a few turns, but do not remove them.
Note: To protect the thread, leave the nut screwed onto the top few threads of the steering knuckle pin.
Using ball joint extractor -3287A-, press ball joint/steering pin out of steering knuckle. Loosen the ball joint/steering head nut.
Unplug connector -2- for oil level and oil temperature sender -G266- -1-, if fitted. Unplug connector for heater circulation pump -V488-, if fitted.
Loosen wiring harness -3- -1- and detach clamp -2- from steering rack. Run the wires under the stabilizer.
Position engine and transmission jack -VAG 1383A- under subframe. Place block of wood -1- between jack -VAG 1383A- and subframe. Fix the subframe and lower it no more than 10 cm.
Remove bolts -arrows- and remove heat shield -1-.
Note: The version of the shield depends on the vehicle equipment.
Disconnect connectors -1- and -2-.
Loosen retainer -arrows- for wires on steering box. Disconnect wiring harness -1- from steering rack -2-.
Remove loose rivet -arrow-. Lower the subframe.
Installation
Installation in reverse order.
Note: Before installing the steering box, apply a lubricant, such as liquid soap, to the seal of the steering box bore. When installing, take care not to damage or twist the steering gear cover.
Carry out a test drive. Check the position of the steering wheel during a test drive.
Note: If the steering wheel is turned after a test drive in a straight-line direction of travel, the wheel alignment must be adjusted.