There's a MUCH easier way.

Center the wheel
Pull the fascia panels (top/bottom of column and lower panel).
Pull the wiring to everything on the column. It's about 8 connectors.
Center the wheel (you don't want to be realigning this repeatedly, do you?)
Remove the screw holding the lock cylinder. It's a secure screw, the head
will have sheared off. You'll want to get another one from the dealer, or
use another regular screw of the same size. To properly remove this screw
you drill it out. Mine was lucky enough to be loose enough to get a
visegrip on it.
Loosen and remove the bolt on the bottom of the steering column. It's the
one that clamps the steering column shaft into the universal joint. It's a
13mm bolt and nut. Mark the position on the shaft if you can, it'll ease
alignment when reassembling.

Now pull the ENTIRE assembly right out.

You'll see that little philips head screw on the back of the lock cylinder.
It's a TIGHT fit but you can get to it without removing the whole lock
assembly. Use a very narrow shaft screwdriver.

I know, I did it this way just yesterday afternoon. Took about 2 hours
(including interruptions)

Yes, you want to be VERY careful about the airbag. If that sucker goes off
while you've got the column removed like this it could be VERY bad. The
explosive force of the bag would propel that sucker like a javelin. This is
why they say to set the bag down FACE UP (sorta like a claymore). The bag
itself could cause some injury, but the metal on the back of it (or the
column) could end up causing a fatality. So don't screw around with it more
than necessary. I propped mine up such that the bag was facing away from me
and the bottom of the column was wedged tightly against something. I just
turned the column until I could see the screw, removed it, pulled the switch
and replaced it.

When you reassemble it connect the single wire to the airbag LAST and do NOT
be anywhere in front of it.

-Bill Kearney


"dave AKA vwdoc1" > wrote in message
. net...
> Bentley is the best source.
>
> Briefly/basically you.................
> Probably disconnect battery
> remove air bag
> remove steering wheel (mark position with steering shaft for correct
> alignment)
> remove both upper and lower shield pieces covering the turn signal switch
> remove switches
> remove steering wheel collar with puller
> remove entire ign switch assembly (might need key turned to unlock
position)
> remove tiny screw to remove ign switch
> Reverse above procedure to reassemble.