How To Remove a VW Steering Wheel ~ Salvage Yard Tips

[@toddmccarter45]

Two things to add here, when you remove the steering wheel from your car always turn back to 12 oclock, so the replacement wheel gets put on straight. Second, put the 24mm nut back on two threads before working the wheel loose so if you have to pull hard on a stuck wheel it doesn't pop off and hit you in the face.

[@nbpt1000]

by far the most useful video on this topic. Thanks for Turning this over for public consumption. Bad Pun!

[@robemail2]

Thanks so much. The ‘how’ of how is the airbag held in - that spring - was a super big help!

[@PSully-ey3fn]

Saved me a lot of time and anguish on an already bad car day, thanks man!

[@3807baldwin]

Thanks!

[@nicho773]

Thank you for making this easy to follow step by step video and all the side tips. The close up shots really help. Kudos to the cameraman. Making my way down to the wiper switch for replacement on my sisters car should be easy now. Keep up the good work!😀

[@OldDocThedan]

I’m not a guy that comments but- this video was exceptionally helpful. Better than the average for sure. Thanks for taking the time.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Awesome!!! Glad to help

[@rickeyb.9072]

Sean, your teachings is very much appreciated. Thank you sir!

[@ix-Xafra]

Great! Need to replace my ignition switch, indicator stalk & instrument panel so this is handy.

[@Faullc10]

Struggled for ages until I extended the steering column out to its limit then the screwdriver fitted easily and it popped off with in seconds.. good vid. VW Sharan with a M12 spline bolt to tighten the wheel..

[@robmajor4434]

Clear and easy to follow video thanks humblemechanic

[@dremoore9436]

Thank you sir I was struggling with the release springs on the airbag

[@jojomorgan8556]

thanks for the view of the Air Bag latch operation . it was the only thing I needed to know. I had a broken spring and the bag was sticking out on one side of the wheel

[@geotesalipton5159]

Your got the best video how to remove VW Golf airbag, thanks.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Glad it helped

[@jeraldclark8086]

Thanks so much for the video. I watched several others without success. I have the VW tool and still had no luck. The key seems to be as you emphasized push the nose down dont pry. Thanks

[@jasonmann8974]

Came here after finding one in the junkyard. Lifesaver! My friend and I were looking like dummies trying to figure ot out, any tips of no keys?

[@robertknerr1485]

Just left a wrecking yard to pick up a clock spring for a 2014 Passat. I had no key but I was still able to turn the wheel. I made sure the front tires were pointed straight ahead before I removed it though. The steering wheel had the triple square bolt instead of the 24mm nut. Now the fun part, to see if this used unit works! 🤞🏼

[@aussiebloke609]

So much easier than I used to do - my old car had a splined taper for the steering column, so you needed a puller (or a hammer and brute strength) to get the steering wheel off.

[@tecnaman9097]

Celebrity camera man!! Nice.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+tecnaman right! ETCG is the man

[@83prototype19]

Thanks from Germany. This will save me a lot of time.

[@GeekSHO]

Steering wheel puns: "I hope I steered you in the right direction," and, "I wheely appreciate a thumbs up."

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahahahahha

[@braddowns17]

Charles I'm surprised that pick a part would not have removed the air bags themselves due to how hazardous they can be. some of the yayhoos that go into salvage yards haven't got a clue on airbags, theirs sensors or how they operate. while I'm here does a 1997 Eurovan/T4 air bag release the same way. some day I might have to remove the steering wheel for maintenance or the multi switch.(turn signal ,speed control stalk) another great informative video.

[@jaybeemhardscrote7466]

Thanks once again Charles! Your videos are so helpful! Love the channel keep up the good work!

[@rsage_]

Love your salvage yard tips for these VW's. I've been a Subaru mechanic for quite some time, but my dad bought an Audi Allroad and I just got an MK4 Jetta TDI... I'm slowly moving towards the dark side:/ ... I'm researching doing a 4Motion MK4 Jetta TDI conversion, although it's looking pretty daunting.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Rodrigo Sagebin NICE!!! Probably be easier to buy an R32 and swap a TDI. lol

[@rsage_]

I've seen people using the R32 for the swap. Do you know if the transmission just bolts right onto the 1.9L TDI engine?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Rodrigo Sagebin it does not. :(

[@nomadsteve5297]

Thanks my man, that was a wheely ‼️ helpful video and very clear and straight to the point 👍

[@jph2910]

Great video BUT unfortunately I still can't get the airbag off even following your tips. I have literally wasted hours over this step that should take a few seconds.😬I'm sure I can actually feel the spring / clip moving slightly when I press the end of the screwdriver down, but the airbag is just not popping open, even when holding it in as you suggested. Any additional tips of what I could try? My car is a 2008 Seat Alhambra.

[@virgiliomassena573]

Thank you so much I was struggling to remove my steering wheel from my passat

[@glendaakahennawarner5935]

I have a 2010 Volkswagen golf and I am having a hell of a time getting the airbag off I press the clips … Is there some other way to release it

[@faheemraqib1035]

Great video Charles!

[@HumbleMechanic]

+TheGoodMechanic thank you. :)

[@-Gunnarsson-]

I separated the inflator from its airbag. Oboy i was paranoid but felt good after.

[@mlamulidlamini3693]

Great vid. Very helpful. Been struggling to remove the steering wheel for quite some time. Thanks.

[@thAtguRl9714]

awesome video- great tips!!!!

[@LuisMartinez-th1ci]

What if the plastic hook of the airbag breaks the pit it still installable and it works dose it make any difference??

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yikes. If you can swap it, it may be worth it

[@wackey3455]

Charles is this the same for mk6 golf please 🙏 can't seem to get mine of for love nr money

[@HumbleMechanic]

Similar. The airbag can be tough to remove, its spring loaded, not bolt on..

[@wackey3455]

@@HumbleMechanic Thanks charles you video was great help to me

[@FobitechElectronicSolutions]

Thank you Sir, you just made my day. Keep up the good work and stay cool..

[@badboysweetheart1]

Nice walkthrough man.!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks

[@andyfern6671]

Man, I really thank you for this video. I could not have done my indicator stalk without it.

[@HumbleMechanic]

So glad to help

[@totochavez396]

Dude thank u all these other videos are wack thank you!!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks so much

[@Tell78]

Very helpful video thank you.

[@OfficalTCG]

Awesome video, I love the way you explain everything. Happy new year!

[@Blended247]

Hi thank you for the info I have a 2003 Volkswagen Passat with a passenger side airbag above the glove box that has opened just a tad but not deployed how do I close that back or can I ? thank you

[@davidfoster4507]

Do you have a video for. Removing and replacing a VW Amarok steering wheel?

[@HumbleMechanic]

No :( we didn’t get that in the US

[@FruitTreeForest]

Thank you!!

[@HambertHM]

Nice video Charles! In modern VWs I think there's a triple square head bolt instead of the nut, otherwise its the same. It's funny how there's a "special tool" to release that spring lol. I think I read on ELSAWIN the instructions to use the screwdriver as well, i found it really easy when I did it myself on a VW Up!.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yeah the newer ones are a triple square. The MK5.5, B6 and up are pretty easy with a pocket screwdriver, or small flat blade. These older ones were awful. I was shocked the airbag came off with little fighting HAHA

[@walterhouston3091]

Question please. Have a 99 new bettle when parked steering wheel seems perfect. Yet when started up ready to drive it's roughly 30 degrees to the right yet it does drive straight. Or other way to describe it vw emblem perfect when get ready the emblem on wheel is v at three o'clock and w at the 9 o'clock position but car doesn't pull either way. Thank you

[@alevdinho10]

before you take off the airbeg, something turns off?

[@ImZyker]

When trying to release the airbag clip is there a chance it will go off even if the battery is removed?

[@2zer084]

shouldnt be, i mean youd have to give a static shock from hell

[@MrCube17]

no

[@HambertHM]

Pretty little chance, but always take safety measures. Disconnect the battery and ground yourself to eliminate any static charge before touching the connector.

[@HumbleMechanic]

It is part of the repair procedure to "unearth" the battery. I have done that about 2 times, but it's always recommend.

[@ImZyker]

Okay, thanks for the replies, guys! Happy new year!

[@Thuli_KB]

Very helpful. Thank you

[@bobby2800]

I wasn’t able to get keys to the junkyard car, so after removing the column trim, I ripped off the two stalks to get enough clearance to release the airbag.

[@dacman61]

This looks like the same steering wheel on my 2002 B5.5 VW Passat Variant. I'm assuming pretty much all of these instructions are the same or similar. I'm thinking about doing a cruise control retrofit kit on it. This is valuable info for me. Thanks!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Very similar. You’ll need a triple square for the bolt.

[@dacman61]

HumbleMechanic, good to know. Luckily I have a nice set of XZN sockets. Thanks for the info.

[@rayforbes2044]

I'm having trouble finding a service manual or component layout in engine bay

[@Alvaroz951]

Great video! Can you tell more about that "Mk3.5" Cabrio at the junkyard? It looks pretty solid, and even with Cruise Control! It's petrol or Diesel? If petrol, would be so interesting to watch some video removing and installing the vacuum actuator system for the gas pedal, and of course, a really nice feature for your White Wookie project!! hahaha Love the dashboard of this car, really nice yard find!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yeah I love this car. I wish I would have snagged a few parts from it. I shot this a while back, so she is long gone by now :(

[@Alvaroz951]

Oh, what a shame! :( Perfect car for stripping that dashboard, door handles, sun visors... Even the whole front end hahaha Greetings from Spain!

[@miztahbe]

nice video, brother of Tormund

[@-._.-._.-]

I have a question... My wheels where aligned perfectly BUT my steeringwheel is now a bit off to the right. Can i just take of the steering wheel and put it back in pointing up? Or will that mess up the steeringwheel angle sensor? Thank you for the clear video on how to remove it!

[@HumbleMechanic]

You can, but it’s better to get the alignment right. The steering wheel needs to be straightforward when aligning

[@slobodansterievski7507]

HI.. i have polo 6n1 1.4 16v 1996 i have removed steering wheel successfully cause i have to replace the ignition switch so i stuck a little bit on that... after some work i managed to replace it it works well first two days and after that i had some white smoke and airbag light came on but the ignition switch and everything else works ok... i open everything again cant see any melted wires or anything but cant get airbag light off... any ideas advices.. Thanks in advance

[@herenow2895]

Thanks for posting this. I could have done with watching it before going to the scrap yard. Luckily, there was a VW that had the steering wheel off so that I could study how it was held on. It was still a difficult job though. A little knowledge can go a long way. Why is it important to remove the 3 screws @ 2:40 ?

[@plebism]

great vid thanks - what about my regular car (not one in the scrap yard)? do i have to turn the engine back on so that I can turn my steering wheel?

[@nicke2307]

Hey charles, if you disconnect the battery on a VDub is there initialization procedures you need to do or any theft codes to remember? Just wondering I havent really done too much work on them

[@hermannscheitenberber8009]

Thank you. It helps a lot

[@LuisMartinez-th1ci]

Any question about Cabrio‘s please don’t hesitate to email me or text me or ask me ,.. I have two Cabrio’s GLS and GLX

[@michaelyarmie4858]

What kind of screws or fasteners hold the steering columm trim? Phillips

[@HumbleMechanic]

The whole column? I think it’s bolts 13mm probably

[@superrvolks]

Is it possible to switch out a steering wheel out of a MK4 2002 jetta to one of these type of wheels?

[@chrstphrr]

Interesting how the Mk3 has a retaining nut, instead of a retaining bolt on the Mk4 and up. That technique with the airbags is the same dance you have to go through on the newer models, too. It's always nice to have a video to show how the spring and posts work on all the generations, so you're not hunting blind with your pokey bit in a hard to reach hole. @HumbleMechanic, do the Mk1 and Mk2 VWs use the same 24mm nut like the Mk3? Or is it a different method of attachment for those?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+chrstphrr I think it's the same. Be a while since I had a mk1 wheel off.

[@arielgurgel]

Is there a way to install a hub spacer while keeping all of the steering wheel function on a mk6 gti??

[@mrmotormd]

This doesn't work for eos and touareg. The title complicates a search because it comes up a million times when you search for "eos steering wheel removal". I usually dig your vids but i would retitle this one. Its titled as if it works for ALL volkswagens.

[@HumbleMechanic]

titling a video is always a compromise. This also doesn't apply completely to a mk8. I do my best to help as many people as possible.

[@ch0wned]

@@HumbleMechanic We appreciate you! 🙏🏻😌

[@cal3b171]

hi i wanted to ask some questions about these kinds of steering wheels as i wish to change my 2000 polo steering wheel but can’t seem to fit the new later vw steering wheels onto it. just need some help/ more information.

[@MALUMEMALUME-mn9tg]

Hello removing a clock ring in a steering for vw polo 9n

[@michaelschaub7653]

I need to replace the cruise control switch assembly in my 2009 VW Routan. My Airedale terrier's leash wrapped around the switch handle and pulled it out of the column. :( Is this pretty much the principles that I need to use to remove the horn assembly to get to the switch? What type of connector is used to hold the steering column trim? Is it a screw? I look forward to hearing your answer. I miss my cruise control and I am sure my Airedale is tired of hearing from me how he broke my cruise control switch. :)

[@brandanevangelista5407]

So helpful thank man.

[@Kevin8it]

2/4/2019 Hey, love your 'how to' videos and really appreciate that your a VW guy. I recently went through about a one week long deep freeze here in northern NJ. I immediately noticed was not hearing my windshield washer motor when I pulled the lever toward me on my 2013 VW Jetta Sportwagon i5 gas aspirated model (M6?). Anyway, at first I figured the lines were frozen but then I realized I wasn't hearing the washer motor anymore either. Just silence. The windshield wipers went through their usual two swipe sequence but no fluid. Checked fluid level, it was good, but topped it off anyway. Then I realized that an odd thing happening that I hadn't realized was happening at first. When I pull the lever toward me to wash the front windshield (remember now, silence, no washer motor noise), the windshield wipers would go through their normal two swipe sequence, but the REAR wiper was also doing its one swipe pass too! This never happens and is not supposed to happen when you pull the lever towards you. Now, additionally, when I push the lever away from me, to operate the rear windshield wiper, the rear wiper does its one swipe pass, but the FRONT wipers also do their two swipe pass as if I had pulled the lever toward me! Very bizarre. It does this activity each and every time I try these actions. I am thinking that perhaps the WW Switch itself may be faulty. What is your interpretation or experience. Can you perhaps give me a call on my cell phone to talk this through with me? My name is Kevin and my number is 973 803-0663. I truly value your time and assistance if you are able to give me any. Thanks Bud.

[@dylanvr6]

Ive only been prying at my tabs for 45 mins cant figure it out. Wven with my other steering wheel in my hand and seeing how to do it

[@thewrenchmaster122]

Hey Charles how you doing today I am working on a 2009 vw cc with a 100k miles on it the costumer said that there steering will is hard to turn do you know of any common power steering issues on these specific vehicles that I should look for wen I check it out and do they have electric steering on the 09 vw cc ?

[@OldDocThedan]

I drove the VW a short distance w/ the airbag module not installed. Have since re-installed it. Any suggestions for how to turn my airbag light off?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Gotta have a scan tool that will take time airbag module

[@willgaines5269]

Does this work on B5.5 passats? My steering wheel controls are faulty on both sides as well as the trip computer buttons on the wiper stock. I just want to run to my local salvage yard and grab everything instead of ordering parts.

[@ricardobaldoki6768]

I am absolutley stumped. I got one side off in a few minutes after watching this vid, now after 4 hours of trying I cannot release the other side.?? I dont know what else to try. Any new tips or ideas to do this, please.

[@alexstewart167]

Is it possible to swap a steering wheel with volume/stereo controls onto one without them? Could you do a video on that? Thanks - Alex specifically on a 2005 Golf tdi (I want those volume buttons lol)

[@user-dn6qy1ou1f]

You can yes. But you will need all the can-bus system from that car. As well as the replacing your existing blinker switch. It's a pain that's not worth doing just to have steering wheel controls

[@user-dn6qy1ou1f]

You'll also need a monsoon radio and the password for it

[@wilsq30]

What year and model was this vehicle?

[@HumbleMechanic]

It wAs a VW Cabrio. I think in the 2000-2002 range

[@digfidge]

Do vw have the wheel and nut premarked for easy reinstallation so you know it is lined up properly?

[@HumbleMechanic]

The nut or bolt doesn't matter. Some have a mark on the wheel, and on the steering column. I always add my own before removing the wheel.

[@nicholasformica7799]

Is there a way to replace the emblem? My 2007 jetta's vw symbol is all dented from an angry previous owner.

[@HumbleMechanic]

No it’s part of the airbag

[@nathanharding1750]

What if I can't feel the spring?

[@telosfd]

Electrician call me and say that he can't undo the wheel nut. Any trick to do? Thank for tutorial.

[@unearth1yone]

Hello, thanks for all that you do . Do you know of any tips or maybe a video where it shows how to access the wires that go to the steering column lock? I am having a problem with my CC that when the weather gets cold and I go to start the car - the car won't start, I get a red flashing steering wheel symbol on the dash, get a notification "steering wheel column lock defective", and a beeping noise. Then, I usually remove the key, rotate the steering wheel and I can get it to start. I am very suspicious that this is just due to a poor connection in the winter when the wires contract due to the cold weather. It mostly only happens when it is cold outside. Thanks again for what you do.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Possible. Use ErwinVW for a one day wiring diagram pass

[@BabyG112]

so say my airbags deployed and i want to change them can i just take the old one out and put the new one in and connect it? does the battery have to be disconnected while i do so? and do i have to reset anything so they wont deploy as i connect it?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Gjonlek Kalaj you absolutely want to disconnect the battery. You will probably have to clear the light too

[@BabyG112]

HumbleMechanic ok thanks so much i love your diy's they help alot👌🏻

[@gabrielfuchs3852]

THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO, THIS LOOKS VERY SIMILAR TO MY 95 WOLFSBURG EDITION CABRIO EXCEPT THAT I HAVE A 4 SPOKE STEERING WHEEL. IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE IN THE PROCEDURE FOR THE 4 SPOKE WHEEL? THE ONLY REASON I NEED TO DO THIS JOB IS TO REPLACE THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH FOR A SAFETY INSPECTION.

[@HumbleMechanic]

It should be the same if it’s a mk3

[@SFlores1979]

Man! I thought you were gonna help me remove it WITHOUT the keys!! When was the last time you had keys at the junkyard? thanks for the video though.

[@HumbleMechanic]

More than you think. You have to totally bust the steering lock of this. The mk3 is a pain. The mk4 is much easier with just 2 sheer bolts to remove

[@SFlores1979]

@@HumbleMechanic ahhhh.. which bolts are you referring to? trying to get the lower trim piece under the steering column but there are two small screws that are directly behind the wheel. Can't remove air bag without turning wheel. So..... thanks for the quick response though!

[@derekmoore1612]

@@SFlores1979 I have a MK4 and was able to remove those 2 screws that you speak of without removing the steering wheel. I used a screwdriver that is shaped like an S /Z / ZigZag ( has 2 90deg opposing bends in it and about 4 inches long). That allowed me to turn those screws out, very, very slowly. ...But it worked.

[@roygadaingan5790]

I have a 2001 VW Jetta. Is it the same process for mine?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Roy Gadaingan very similar. The bolt holding on the wheel is different and you don't have any screws

[@roygadaingan5790]

HumbleMechanic Thank you man!

[@jeffwilson2117]

When reinstalling, what is the torque spec? Being a steering wheel, I would check the torque. :-)

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Jeff Wilson that is ALWAYS recommended.

[@andreinico8541]

Good Man.thank you.

[@josealonsonavarro7222]

I am trying to remove the airbag from a junk yard car and dont have the key. Any suggestions?

[@HumbleMechanic]

You can try to remove the ignition lock cylinder and that will remove the steering lock.

[@D6Spanky]

that's really easy! nice!

[@SonOfTamriel]

I've wanted to change my 2000 Beetle wheel out for something else. I'm assuming just a Mk4 wheel from Golf/Jetta would work. How about an Audi TT from the same year?

[@chrstphrr]

You're in luck. A Mk1 Audi TT is built on the same A4 generation/platform as the Mk4 Golf/Jetta/Beetle, or the B5/5.5 Passat. It *might* work, but I've never seen one with the airbag removed, to confirm it's a no-fuss swap. The style of retaining bolt and spline on your Beetle will take other wheels from most anything from around 2000 and up, so long as it's from a VW group car (VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Lamborghini, Bugatti). Two big things affect the wheel swaps being plug n' play: A) The clock spring and number of wires that it feeds to your current steering wheel. Things like the MFSW (Multi-Function Steering Wheel) controls add wires, and there's a non-CANBUS/CANBUS changover mid generation of the A4 platform -- around 2001-2002 model years. B) The airbag connector. The A4 generation Golf/Jetta/Beetle or the B5/B5.5 Passats should have the same airbag connector as yours. OTHER, later than 2000 wheels will fit the splines on a steering wheel. But the clock spring, and the airbag connectors change between generations... and possibly between VAG marques as well. I've fit a Mk6 generation Jetta steering wheel to a 2000 VW Jetta -- it involved me doing some trickery with the airbag connectors, swapping the Mk6 style for the Mk4 style airbag connector. I used another Mk4 airbag connector/cable from a donor Mk4 steering wheel that matched my original wheel, so I didn't have to do any voodoo with the clockspring. Just about every resource I found about this, said it was a bad BAD BAD idea to change the connector, that the airbag won't fire when it is supposed to. Nothing authorative, but VW wouldn't condone a swap between generations and the wiring/connector changes, even if it's electrically kosher. YMMV, and no one's twisting your arm to do or not do the wheel swap.

[@SonOfTamriel]

Awesome! that's a lot of helpful info! Maybe I'll save up 20k for that Bugatti wheel :P Thanks man!

[@sqike001ton]

I'm surprised to see a live air bag in that yard the 2 pick urself near me pull the bag or deploy them tho if u need a bag they will find one they keep them in a locked shed to keep people from them and if they don't have it they can get you one in a few days

[@Alien_Intel]

Is there a way to remove the airbag from the cover so i can still use the cover without the airbag?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Green Alien the bag does come apart, but I'm not sure just how to make what you're asking happen.

[@Alien_Intel]

Like how the air bag is inside the horn cover is there a way to remove the bag from the horn button completely and still be able use the horn to clip the horn button back onto the wheel? This is the piece i was talking about 1:09 - 2:39 I've heard of airbags deploying for dumb reasons. The reason im asking is because i'd like to fit this wheel to my 73 super beetle as a replacement wheel. Also, any tips for removing the airbag from the wheel if you dont have access to the keys?

[@undergrounddiffing5125]

will newer steering wheels fit older cars

[@HumbleMechanic]

+stephen the handy tuber many will. There was a spline count and diameter change in the late 80s/early 90s. I don't recall the exact time. But many wheels are interchangeable. It's the airbags that may not be

[@undergrounddiffing5125]

HumbleMechanic thanks for replying it just I have a 2001 vw polo and the steering wheel is very worn I wanted to get one from a mk6 golf or similar

[@HumbleMechanic]

+stephen the handy tuber that will probably work for fit. Doubt airbags are compatible. My 05 Passat needs the same thing.

[@undergrounddiffing5125]

HumbleMechanic ok I will get one and check connections thanks

[@Argantonis]

Shouldn't you mark the orientation somehow so you can get it back straight?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Argantonis most VWs have a mark at 12:00

[@4chankrozb]

Thank you!

[@rBear1989]

Is it steering wheel from Mk4 on Mk3 or am I wrong?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Ilya “rBear” Bearsson it's a lye Cabrio. They had a mix of mk3 and mk4 parts.

[@rBear1989]

Interesting thing ) And whole dashboard have other texture than original Mk3... wish I have salvage yard like this here in Kazahstan ))

[@kdd1214]

is anyone aware of a how to video of removal or replacement of the clock spring?

[@Ajjubhai90002]

Thanks

[@narvikproductions]

But you didn’t cover on how to remove without the key