Power Steering - System Description and Repair
86VW2Applies To CONVERTIBLE/CABRIOLET
SCIROCCO
Vehicles built from April 1984
Group
48
Subject
Power Steering
Part Identifier N/A
Key Points
System description and repair
A-116
Number
86-02
February 3, 1986
Power steering pump, mounting
Note
Always replace seals and self-locking nuts.
Power steering system
(Hydraulic components)
Technical data Lubricant capacity 0.7-0.9 ltr (1.5-1.9 US pt.) Type ATF Dexron(R) or Dexron II (R) System pressure (at idle) 70-80 bar (1015-1160 psi)
Power steering pump pressure, checking
Work sequence
Note
Use the above adapters with pressure gauge US 1074 B.
- remove pressure line from pump
- install adapters to gauge and connect pressure lines
- with gauge valve in open position, start engine and run at idle
- top up ATF in reservoir if necessary
- close valve (no longer than 5 seconds)
- read pressure
^ 70-80 bar (1015-1160 psi)
- if pressure is outside specified range, replace pump
System pressure, checking
Work sequence
- with engine idling and valve of US 1074 B open, rotate steering wheel lock to lock and hold (no longer than 5 seconds) to check pressure in each end position
^ 70-80 bar (1015-1160 psi)
- if pressure is outside specified range, replace power steering gear assembly
Note
If reservoir fluid level is low, always check steering system for leaks.
Steering System, checking for leaks (engine running)
- rotate steering wheel lock to lock and hold in position (no longer than 5 sec.)
- check all line connections and tighten if necessary
- if leak occurs at steering pinion, or steering rack seals are leaking (pull boot off steering gear to check), replace steering gear assembly
- if leak occurs at power steering pump, replace pump
Power steering gear
(Mechanical components)
Note
Lubricate steering gear with AOF 063 000 04
Steering gear, removing/installing
Work sequence
Removing
- remove pressure hose from pump and drain fluid from pump and hose
- disconnect both tie rod ends from steering arms
- remove transmission mount with bracket
- remove exhaust manifold
- remove pressure and return lines at steering gear (arrows)
- remove gearshift linkage bracket from steering gear housing (where applicable)
- remove ground wire
- remove clamps and take out steering gear by pushing to right as far as possible. Swing left tie rod downward and pull steering gear out
- if steering gear is to be replaced, remove tie rods
Installing
- install tie rods (see Tie rods, removing/installing)
- install in reverse order of removal and note:
- lubricate steering gear rack with grease, Part No. AOF 063 000 04
- check/adjust gearshift linkage (where applicable), see Repair Group 34
- fill power steering system with ATF Dexron (R) or other Volkswagen-approved power steering fluid
- with engine idling, maintain fluid level at MAX mark on reservoir
- rotate steering wheel lock to lock until no more bubbles appear in fluid at reservoir
- top up fluid level to MAX mark
Tie rods, removing/installing
Work sequence
Note
Steering rack must be properly held in a vise to avoid possible damage to pinion gear/rack during removal/installation of tie rods
Removing
- slide steering boot back on tie rod
- mount steering gear in vise with soft jaw covers to protect rack teeth
- remove tie rod
Installing
- coat tie rod threads with D6 locking compound
Note
Threads on rack and in tie rod must be clean before installing tie rod
- install tie rod on rack (be sure boot is on tie rod)
- tighten tie rod to 70 N-m (52 ft.lbs.)
- check/adjust left tie rod length a = 362 mm (14-1/4 in.)
Note
Adjust toe on right tie rod only
Any time left tie rod length is disturbed by removal/ replacement of tie rod/tie rod end, length must be checked/adjusted to dimension a = 362 mm
- install steering boots without twisting them
- adjust toe using right tie rod only
Steering gear, adjusting
Work sequence
Note
Steering gear must be removed from vehicle to be adjusted
- loosen crown nut
- turn adjusting bolt until rack can be moved by hand without binding
- tighten crown nut
- reinstall steering gear