Replacing the power steering gear (VW Golf 2)

Power steering is installed on vehicles by order. A sectional view of the power steering mechanism is shown in Figure 391. The fluid used in the hydraulic drive is the same as in the automatic transmission. The fluid is drawn from the reservoir by a vane pump and compressed by a special spool control valve. The steering mechanism and pump are not subject to repair and must be replaced if damaged. Remove the front wheels from the vehicle.



Disconnect the pressure hose from the pump and drain the liquid.

Unscrew the nuts of both steering rod ends and use a puller to disconnect their pins from the steering knuckle arm.

Remove the steering gear housing mounting clamp.

Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear by unscrewing both bolts. To remove the shaft, push it all the way up and then down.

Use any available method to lift the power unit and unscrew the left bolt from the subframe. Just loosen the right bolt.



Raise the power unit so that the steering gear can be removed from underneath.

The steering gear is installed in the reverse order. The bolts securing the gear to the subframe are tightened to a torque of 130 Nm. Self-locking nuts (definitely new ones) are tightened on the ball joint tips with a torque of 35 Nm. After installing the steering gear, it is filled with working fluid and the air is removed, as follows described here.