Steering column (VW Golf 1)

Removal

On early models (until July 1974) the steering column was fixed rigidly. Since August 1974, the mounting has been changed - the lower part of the steering column is attached to the pedal bracket with a rubber mounting ring and a flat spring. In a strong frontal impact, the spring is pressed out of place, and the steering column goes to the side.

The steering column is removed as a complete assembly with the steering wheel and steering column switches installed on the column (drawing L:12).



1. Disconnect the ground wire from the battery.

2. Remove the screws and cover from the steering column switches.

3. Disconnect the wire connectors of the switches and the ignition switch (see chapter "Electrical equipment").

4. On early models, disconnect the master cylinder pushrod or servo rod from the brake pedal, which is attached to the pedal with a pin and snap ring. Also, unhook the clutch pedal cable and disconnect it from the guide on the pedal bracket.

On vehicles with a resilient steering column mount, press the spring clip on the bottom edge of the pedal bracket and remove the flat spring (drawing L:13).





5. Remove the clamp bolt securing the upper steering shaft joint to the steering column shaft.

The information is posted on this resource (VWMANUAL)

6. Unscrew the nuts securing the lower steering column bracket and the screws securing the upper bracket (drawing L:12). If the upper bracket is secured with shear bolts, you can try to loosen them by hitting the edge of the head with a punch tangentially. If this does not help, the bolts need to be drilled out.

7. Remove the steering column from the vehicle.

Installation

The column is installed in the reverse order of removal. Please note the following:

• a) When installing the upper spacer sleeve, remember that the distance between the upper edge of the sleeve and the end of the shaft should be 41.5 mm ("a", Figure L:14), while ensuring a gap of 2-4 mm between the lower edge of the steering wheel hub and the steering column switch housing ("b", Figure L:14).
• b) When installing a new mounting ring, heat it in hot water and pull it onto the steering column housing so that the distance from the edge is 31 mm.

Before attaching the steering shaft, set the steering wheel and steering gear to the straight-ahead position. Align the groove for the clamp bolt on the steering column shaft with the slot in the upper joint of the steering shaft (figure L:11).


Tighten all bolts and nuts to the torque specified in the section "Technical data".

Tighten the top bracket shear bolts until the heads shear off.

If necessary, adjust the clutch cable (see chapter "Clutch and manual transmission").