Removing and installing dash panel central tube

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque wrench - V.A.G 1331-

• Torque wrench - V.A.G 1783-

Removing

• Remove dash panel ⇒ 3.5 Removing and installing dash panel.
• Remove footwell vent on driver side ⇒ Heating, air conditioning; Rep. gr. 87; Air duct; Removing and installing footwell vent on driver side.
• Separate steering column from cross member ⇒ Running gear, axles, steering; Rep. gr. 48; Steering column; Assembly overview - steering column.
• Remove wiper arms ⇒ Electrical system; Rep. gr. 92; Windscreen wiper system; Removing and installing wiper arms.
• Remove plenum chamber cover ⇒ General body repairs, exterior; Rep. gr. 50; Plenum chamber bulkhead; Removing and installing plenum chamber cover.
• Loosen wiper frame with linkages and wiper motor ⇒ Electrical system; Rep. gr. 92; Windscreen wiper system; Assembly overview - windscreen wiper system.

• Unscrew bolt -1- (20 Nm) in plenum chamber on driver side.
• Lever out the two spreader pins -3- upwards.
• Pull out both spreader rivets -2- and -4-.
• Remove intermediate piece -1- from heater and air conditioning unit.
• If fitted, separate connector from temperature sender -arrow-.
• Remove intermediate piece -5- from heater and air conditioning unit.

• Unscrew 2 bolts -1- (5 Nm).
• Remove 2 bolts -2-.
• Remove bolt -3-.

• Remove bolt -2- (20 Nm).
• Unscrew 2 bolts -3- (9 Nm) and remove support -1-.

• Remove bolt -1- (9 Nm).

• Push retaining hook -arrow- on both sides of adjusting element -3- inwards and detach strut -2- from cross member.

• Remove bolt -1- (20 Nm).
• Unscrew 2 bolts -2- (20 Nm).

• Unclip 10 wiring harness fasteners -arrows- from cross member.
• Pull cross member into vehicle interior until 3 bolts -1- are accessible.
• Unscrew 3 bolts -1- (4.5 Nm).

• On vehicles with seat heating, unclip seat heating control unit -1-.
• With aid of second mechanic, carefully lift cross member out of vehicle.

Installing

• Install in reverse order of removal.