Central Tube
Central Tube
NOTE: To provide a better overview, the central tube with its attachments and fasteners is divided into two parts in the illustration, central tube I and central tube II.
Central Tube
Removing
NOTE: Identify connectors before disconnecting to prevent confusion or for better allocation.
- Pry off caps on wiper arms with screwdriver.
- Loosen hex nuts - arrows - a few turns.
- Loosen wiper arm by tilting wiper axle slightly, remove hex nuts and remove wiper arm.
- Unclip spray nozzles - arrow -.
- Slide spray nozzle with connected lines back through assembly opening in plenum chamber.
- Remove rubber plenum chamber cover seal - 1 -.
- Remove plenum chamber cover - 2 -.
- Remove instrument panel.
- Remove center console.
- Remove steering column switch module trim.
- Remove steering column switch module.
- Unclip cable guide on bottom side of steering column.
- Secure steering column - 2 - from pulling apart unintentionally using a cable tie or transport retainer.
- Remove bolts - 3 - (qty. 4).
- Place steering column in drivers footwell.
1. Central tube
- Remove center air duct - 2 - upward.
- Unclip expanding rivet in defroster intermediate piece tabs.
- Remove defroster intermediate piece - 1 - upward from central tube - 3 -.
- Remove nuts - 2 - (qty. 2).
- Lay down Inclination-/Anti-Theft Control Module J529 - 3 - with bracket - 4 - and connected wires.
1. Central tube
- Remove bolts - 1 - (qty. 2).
- Lay down Headlamp Range Control Module J431 - 2 - with connected lines.
- Remove bolts - arrows - on fuse holder - 1 -.
- Remove fuse holder with wires connected.
- Disconnect electrical connector on ESP sensor - 1 -.
- Remove brace bolt - 1 - at bottom of plenum chamber.
- Unclip wiring harness - 1 - on tunnel support - 3 -.
- Remove bolts - 2 - (qty. 2) on left tunnel support - 3 - and on right tunnel support.
- Unclip all wires secured on central tube and its attachments.
- Mark location of bulkhead brace - 2 - to central tube - 3 -.
- Remove bolts - 1 - (qty. 2).
- Remove nuts - 1 - (qty. 2).
2 - Central tube
- Remove nut - 1 -.
- Pull central tube - 2 - with cable guide as far from bulkhead as possible.
- Remove bolts - 2 - (qty. 7).
NOTE: To provide a better overview, the cable guide, wiring harness, heating and A/C unit and surrounding area were not shown in the illustration.
- Remove central tube - 1 - upward diagonally.
NOTE: When removing central tube, pay attention to the left and right tunnel support. Avoid damage to the rear channel.
Installing
Installation is reverse of removal, but note the following:
- When installing central tube, pay attention to bulkhead/central tube brace marking.
- When connecting electrical connectors, ensure they engage correctly (audibly).
- Install instrument panel.
- Install center console.
- Install steering column switch module.
- Install steering column switch module trim.
- Adjust wiper arms.
Tightening torques
Component Nm
Cable guide to central tube 8
Central tube to body 20
Left/right tunnel support to mounting bracket on center tunnel 20
Bulkhead brace to central tube 9(1)
Lower brace to body 25(1)
Inclination-/Anti-Theft Control Module J529 to central tube 3
Inclination-/Anti-Theft Control Module J529 bracket to central tube 3
Fuse holder on instrument panel central pipe 3
Central Tube Mounting Bracket
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
- Torque wrench V.A.G 1331
Removing
- Remove central tube.
- Mark location of mounting bracket - 1 - to body.
- Remove screws - 2 - (qty. 4).
- Remove mounting bracket - 1 -.
Installing
Installation is reverse of removal, but note the following:
- When installing mounting bracket, pay attention to bracket/body marking.
- Install central tube.
Tightening torque
Component Nm
Central tube mounting bracket to body 24