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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: mikedub on 14 July 2006, 21:30

Title: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: mikedub on 14 July 2006, 21:30

Was wondering if anyone could tell me how I would know whether my mk2 golf driver has a small or large spline size. Its registered in August 1989 but it has the hazard switch on the dash not on the bit behind the steering wheel, and it has the two plugs for the speedo and rev counter not the single one..... if that helps  :smiley:

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: rubjonny on 15 July 2006, 19:14

large :)
Edit: unless someone has taken off the spline adaptor ;)

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: mikedub on 15 July 2006, 21:19

Oh dear, I just bought a leather steering wheel for the smaller spline size  :embarassed:
How easy is it to take the adapter off my car to fit the smaller spline wheel?

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: redders on 15 July 2006, 21:30

funny that ive just got one, and its toooo big for my splin.....?

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: mikedub on 15 July 2006, 21:41

I dont know for sure whether mine will be too small yet, bought it off eBay so will hafta wait for it to arrive. I think you can buy the adapter for yours to make it fit. I'm told it doesn't cost a lot from VW. Maybe swap otherwise  :wink:
I would be grateful if any one could tell me how easy it is to remove my adapter to make the small spline wheel fit

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: Mk2Kezza on 15 July 2006, 23:32

It's very straight forward. But you'll need a bearing splitter and pullers. You can pick them up from machine mart for about £30. Fit splitter behind large spline, attatch pullers and umm............pull. (by screwing in the centre screw)

There is a how to on here somewhere do a search and you should get pictures too, to make it easier. Good luck  :smiley:

P.s, you may have to remove indicator arm and the plastic cover of the steering column to get the splitter to fit.

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: mikedub on 16 July 2006, 00:48

I wanted to find out for sure whether  have a small or large spline so I took the horn cover off and measured the centre to be about 15mm across. Does this mean anything or will I hafta take the whole wheel off to know for sure?

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: barkstar on 16 July 2006, 01:50

Smal splines are about 17mm and big are around 22mm. If you've got the wrong one sell it on here or on Ebay and get the right one. You can take the splined spacer off but its tricky and if you mess up you could end up needing to change the column.
barkstar  :nerd:

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: Judderi on 17 July 2006, 13:01

Apparently a big hammer does the job.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=43578.0

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: mikedub on 17 July 2006, 22:14

I've taken the wheel off and I definately have a large spline  :sad:
This hammer wacking method... does it really work? How do you get the steering column back out once its been hit inwards? Is it a quick job to do? The new wheel should hopefully arrive tomorrow so I want to know if I can do it.
Thanks  :smiley:

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: jase555 on 17 July 2006, 22:52

i was always under the impression that if the car has power steering then it will have the larger splined column and if it got the no power steering it has the smaller splined column.
im pretty sure thats right anyways.  :undecided:

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: takethefifth on 17 July 2006, 22:59

I'm afraid i don't think this is the case. Power steering was an option throughout the golfs' lifespan whereas the splines were changed about mid way through.

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: Judderi on 18 July 2006, 08:32

Its more age related i think.

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: mikedub on 18 July 2006, 08:46

So if you hit the column with a mallet as suggested in the link I was directed to, how do you get it back out? I don't want to do this to get the spline adapter off and then not be able to get the column back out  :huh:
If anyone has tried it I'd be really grateful if they could tell me more

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: rubjonny on 18 July 2006, 10:52

PM the guys who did it ;)

Title: Re: Steering wheel spline size
Post by: dubmandave on 17 January 2011, 21:27

Mines a 1990 gti,no power steering and i bought a wheel and boss of ebay,(waiting on delivery) and been told i may have to remove spline adaptor to fit?