Steering Wheel removal

[DaveN]

Hi

I need to re-align my steering wheel and I have seen a DIY on the Vortex but does anyone know the correct size and type of socket for undoing the bolt that holds the steering wheel the diy say 12mm but not if it is a torq type or star type.

Regards

Dave N

[Cass]

Article here:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2938601

It looks like you need a star type socket but the DIY install probably used a square shaped bit and inserted it into the bolt, connecting on 4 corners only. Probably wouldn't damage the bolt using this method as long as it was a tight fit and the star threads weren't stripped. I'm sure VW will have a custom socket for this - VW dealer should confirm.

Cass

[DaveN]

Cass
I have 16,14,12 and 10 mm star sockets so I should be okay. Dealer wanted around €100 to do it and I'm fecked if I am paying that for 30 mins work.

Dave N

[Cass]

Dave,

Just a couple of points here:

Why does the steering wheel need to be aligned ? Has it been like this since you got the car or has the car been kerbed and the suspension settings need to be realigned ?

And watch out for the airbag

Cass

[DaveN]

Cass

On Holidays last week in Northern Ireland enjoying the sun shine and the twisty roads I came around a courner and had the choice of LARGE pot hole or Dutch Camper Van. Pot hole it was which knocked my alignment out, the steering turned a bit to the left.

Got home and had a 4 Wheel Alignment done at a local garage, tey can get it tracking perfect its that the wheel is just a bit off to the right not. THere are no bent suspension elements so my local dealer suggests moving the wheel a few splines to make it straight. I'm being a bit anal about it, several friends cant see what I'm talking about but here you go.

Regarding the Airbag, I'm going to disconnect the -ve on the battery and wait 30 mins then pump the brake etc to ensure the capacitors etc are discharged. Hopefully is will go okay this weekend.

I'm just hung up on the ca being perfect, the alignment shop said "Dont worry about it the car tracks straight", the dealer said "€100 and I'll straighten the wheel". Fecking car is worse then a obsessive mistress, you have to give it constant attention.

DAve N

[Cass]

Got home and had a 4 Wheel Alignment done at a local garage, tey can get it tracking perfect its that the wheel is just a bit off to the right not. THere are no bent suspension elements so my local dealer suggests moving the wheel a few splines to make it straight. I'm being a bit anal about it, several friends cant see what I'm talking about but here you go.

Regarding the Airbag, I'm going to disconnect the -ve on the battery and wait 30 mins then pump the brake etc to ensure the capacitors etc are discharged. Hopefully is will go okay this weekend.

I'm just hung up on the ca being perfect, the alignment shop said "Dont worry about it the car tracks straight", the dealer said "€100 and I'll straighten the wheel". Fecking car is worse then a obsessive mistress, you have to give it constant attention.

DAve N

Know the feeling mate - 'anal' is my middle name. Its got to be right

Cass