Steering Wheel Removal

[Davidj241]

Can anybody tell me the correct procedure for removing the steering wheel on a 2006 B6 Passat.:1zhelp:
I have managed to buy a multifunction wheel from Germany, and wish to swap it over. I know I will probably need to take it to a dealer to have it programmed, but if I can fit the wheel beforehand it should save me a lot of money.

Thanks in advance:beerchug:

[Lex Luthor]

Retro fitting an MF wheel to a non-MF car was very difficult on the earlier Passat. Are you sure it is simple on the latest model ?

[gresty]

This can prove to be quite a big job. Firstly, If you really really want to remove the air bag..................please be very carefull as to not to touch the pins on the back of the airbag after plug removal. Electrostatic from your fingers can cause the airbag to deploy!!! Secondly, to fit a multifunction steering wheel you will have to change the contact reel which sits on the top of the column, and you would probably need parameters changing or possibly programming of the ccm?!?

[pete666]

hi there guy i too have a multi func wheel from germany, ive been told if the car has midline comp then multi function wheel will be supported the car its going on is a 07 golf gt 140 and can anyone tell me how to take wheel off thanxs pete..........................

[Flash2]

David, you need a special spline tool to remove the steering wheel (probably available at Halfords). To remove the airbag, first disconnect the battery. Adjust the steering column to it's lowest position and pull it towards you as far as it will go. Turn the steering wheel to the 9 o'clock position. Look into the back of the wheel (through the windscreen) and you will see a small hole. Insert the TIP of a plane screw driver into the hole and rotate it towards the drivers door. That should release the top half of the airbag. Rotate the steering wheel through 180 degrees and repeat the procedure to release the other side. Turn the wheel back to the straight ahead (12 o'clock) position and carefully lift the airbag out. You will see a yellow connector behind the airbag. It has a locking clip at the top. Slide the locking clip towards you and the plug will release. When your remove the wheel, you will see an index mark on the steering shaft. Align the index mark on the steering wheel with the one on the shaft to ensure the wheel is fitted straight. Also, be careful not to rotate the airbag clock spring (slipring) while the steering wheel is removed. When you fit the airbag onto the new wheel, reconnect the battery. When you start the car the ESP and steering warning lights will be on. Drive the car a 100 yards or so should put the lights off. If they don't go off, it may be because the steering control unit is incorrectly coded for the new steering wheel. You'll have to visit your VW dealer to get that done.

Hope that helps - Jim