Steering Column Audi Cabriolet I

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

Remove knee protection bar. Measure length of threads between adjuster and stationary fitting. There should be .078" (2.0 mm) of threads showing between adjuster and stationary fitting. If spacing is not as specified, loosen cable lock nut and adjust.

* PLEASE READ FIRST *

Removal

Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position. Remove driver-side air bag unit. See the appropriate article

1. AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM - 1995.
2. AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM - 1996.

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.

Removal & Installation

1. Remove horn pad and steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(/audi/cabriolet/i-1991-2000/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.

1. Remove combination switch. See «COMBINATION SWITCH»(/audi/cabriolet/i-1991-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column). Disconnect ignition switch connector. Remove shift-lock cable.
2. Remove Torx screw (right of column shaft). Remove column tube mounting bolts from bracket. Remove lower trim from beneath left side of instrument panel. Remove left footwell duct. Remove bolts securing steering column flange tube to bracket. Push down on steering column. Remove cable for shift lock assembly. Remove lock cylinder assembly. CAUTION: DO NOT drill hole in lock cylinder housing greater than1/8" (3 mm) deep, or lock cylinder will be damaged.
3. Remove ignition switch from assembly. Drill a 1/8" (3 mm) hole in lock cylinder housing in position indicated. (Scheme 3) Insert ignition key into lock cylinder. Insert punch into hole, press check spring, and pull out lock cylinder.

Insert key into lock cylinder. Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Push in lock cylinder until check spring engages. To install remaining components, 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. See the appropriate article: AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM - 1995. AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM - 1996.
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 instrument panel insert screws. Remove terminal housing at ignition lock. Remove Torx screw from ignition lock assembly. Remove upper column tube mounting bolts. Remove steering lock housing from column tube. Push steering column and tube downward until it can be removed from instrument panel. Remove steering column coupling at steering rack assembly.

1. Install steering column into upper column tube. Guide steering column under dash and upward into position. Install steering lock housing into column tube. Install Torx screw into housing. Insert key into ignition lock and unlock steering column.
2. Install column tube mounting bolts. Center steering column tube by sliding up and down in support so that flex coupling does not bind when steering wheel is turned. Tighten support tube mounting bolts.
3. Install ignition switch electrical connector. Install spring and lock washers onto steering column. Pull steering column upward and compress spring and lock washers. Install instrument panel insert and steering column switch. Install steering wheel.
4. Connect air bag voltage supply connector. Replace horn pad and reconnect negative battery cable. Reactivate air bag system. Check AIRBAG indicator light to ensure system is functioning properly. Ensure column switch functions correctly. See the appropriate article: AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM - 1995. AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM - 1996.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• STEERING WHEEL