Steering Column Audi A4 B5

DESCRIPTION

A 2-piece safety steering column with a slip-joint flange connection is used. The upper steering column is supported by a column tube and a steering lock assembly. (Scheme 1) The lower column is a collapsible, tubular type, held in place by the universal couplings at each end. All models have driver's air bag.

Scheme 1

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Removal

Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position. Remove driver-side air bag unit. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article. Remove steering wheel nut and spring washer. Mark steering wheel and shaft for reassembly reference. Remove steering wheel.

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Reactivate air bag system. Check AIRBAG indicator light to ensure system is functioning properly.

Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL . Disconnect horn bracket from steering column. Remove spiral spring retaining screws. Disconnect spiral spring harness connector, and remove spiral spring. DO NOT turn or twist unit after removal.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. Reactivate air bag system. Ensure system is functioning properly.

1. Remove horn pad and steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(/audi/a4/b5-1994-1999/remont/steering-column/#steering-column). Remove telescopic lever. Loosen setscrew for tilt wheel lever. Remove upper shroud from steering column. (Scheme 2)
2. Disconnect electrical connectors from combination switch. Insert a 5/32" (4 mm) Allen wrench through hole in bottom of lower shroud, and loosen combination switch clamp screw. Remove combination switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

IGNITION SWITCH & LOCK CYLINDER

Note. Lock cylinder and ignition switch can be removed separately.

Removal (Lock Cylinder)

Remove combination switch. See COMBINATION SWITCH. Turn ignition switch To RUN position. Insert steel rod (approximately 2 mm in diameter) as far as it will go. (Scheme 3) Pull lock cylinder out of housing.

Insert key into lock cylinder. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Push in lock cylinder until check spring engages. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.

Removal & Installation (Ignition Switch)

Remove combination switch. See COMBINATION SWITCH . Disconnect ignition switch harness connector. Remove retaining screws. Remove ignition switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

1. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate it from terminal. Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position. Remove driver-side air bag unit.
2. Remove screws and upper steering column trim. Remove steering wheel nut and spring washer. Mark steering wheel and shaft for reassembly reference. Remove steering wheel.
3. Remove ignition lock assembly. Remove upper column tube mounting bolts. Use wire to secure steering column in compressed position. Remove steering column coupling at steering rack assembly and pull column out of vehicle.

1. Install steering column into upper column tube, ensuring wire harness is not damaged. Install column tube mounting bolts.
2. Center steering column tube by sliding up and down in support so that flex coupling does not bind when steering wheel is turned. Remove wire securing steering column.
3. Install ignition switch. Install instrument panel insert and steering column switch. Install steering wheel. Connect air bag voltage supply connector.
4. Install horn pad and reconnect negative battery cable. Reactivate air bag system. Check AIRBAG indicator light to ensure system is functioning properly.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• STEERING WHEEL