How to Remove the Steering Wheel of the New Passat?
2 Answers
New Passat Steering Wheel Removal: The airbag of the New Passat steering wheel is secured with retaining clips. Before removal, disconnect the battery. First, remove the combination switch cover. There are two small holes on the back of the steering wheel. Insert a thin screwdriver into each hole and push the retaining clips toward the center of the steering wheel. Here are the detailed steps for removing the New Passat steering wheel: 1. Ensure the car is parked straight with the wheels facing forward. Loosen the lever under the steering wheel and pull the steering wheel outward. 2. Use a short cross-head screwdriver (or a 90° adjustable screwdriver) to unscrew the 2-4 screws (varies by model) from the reverse side. 3. Remove the plastic cover. 4. If completely removing the steering wheel, also disconnect the horn wire and multi-function module (for luxury versions).
I previously disassembled the steering wheel of my new Passat myself, and the steps were quite intuitive, but safety comes first. Remember to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery and wait for about ten minutes to let the airbag system discharge—otherwise, accidental triggering could be dangerous. Next, turn the steering wheel to the center position, find a screwdriver or Torx wrench, and remove the two small screws securing the airbag at the back of the steering wheel. The airbag will then loosen, and carefully unplug the airbag wire connector. After that, you’ll see the large central nut; use a socket wrench to turn it counterclockwise, but avoid excessive force to prevent stripping the threads. At this point, the steering wheel might be a bit tight—I gently wiggled it left and right and then pulled it outward to remove it. The whole process took about half an hour and was quite simple with the right tools. If the airbag is hard to remove, check if the clips are stuck. After the steering wheel is hollowed out, don’t forget to clean the interior to prevent dust buildup, which could affect the installation of new components. I recommend preparing an anti-static glove and safety goggles, ensuring good ventilation during the operation. Finally, when reassembling, align the marker points to ensure a secure and tight fit.
