Checking the steering wheel free play (VW Passat B3)

Rack and pinion steering should have no play when turning the steering wheel from lock to lock. Adjustment is performed by two mechanics.



Raise the car on the platform. Set the wheels to the straight-ahead position.

When the steering wheel is turned alternately in different directions (approximately 30° from the straight-ahead position), a rattling noise can be heard if there is too much play in the steering gear.

The second mechanic carefully turns the adjusting bolt (arrow) until no noise is heard in the car's interior.

Note: The illustration shows a ZF steering gear. In the case of a TRW steering gear, (alternative steering mechanism) you must first loosen the lock nut and then turn the adjusting bolt. After each adjustment, tighten the lock nut again.

To check the adjustment, perform a test drive. If the steering is difficult to move, if it does not return to the straight-ahead position when exiting a turn, then loosen the adjusting bolt again slightly.