Removing the steering wheel on a car Skoda Octavia Tour is a procedure that may be required in various situations: from replacing an airbag to installing a sports steering wheel or carrying out complex electrical work. Despite the fact that the design of the steering unit in this model is quite standard for the VAG group, it has its own specific features that must be taken into account before starting work.
Incorrect actions can not only lead to damage to expensive components such as airbag or multifunctional unit, but also to serious injuries if the squib is accidentally fired. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and critical precautions that guarantee safe work.
Preparing tools and work area
Before starting any physical impact on the steering mechanism, it is necessary to ensure the proper level of safety and prepare the necessary arsenal of tools. Working with the electronic components of the steering column requires care, and unscrewing the central bolt is often the most difficult step due to the high tightening.
You'll need a set of sockets with extensions, including a 13 or 14 millimeter socket for the airbag bolt, and a heavy-duty wrench or ratchet with a 24 or 27 millimeter socket for the center handlebar nut. It would be a good idea to have a steering wheel remover, since in some cases hammering the steering wheel through the spacer is risky for the plastic elements.
- π Set of sockets and wrenches (including Torx T20-T25 for fasteners)
- β‘ Electrical tape or electrical tape to protect contacts
- π‘ Powerful flashlight for illuminating hard-to-reach places behind the wheel
Pay special attention to the workplace: the car must be on a level surface, and the wheel must be installed strictly straight. This is critical for proper removal and subsequent installation of the steering wheel in its original position.
β οΈ Be sure to turn off the negative terminal of the battery before starting any work with passive safety elements. Wait at least 10-15 minutes to discharge the capacitors in the airbag system.
Removing the airbag and disconnecting the wiring
The most important step is the removal of the airbag. Nana Skoda Octavia Tour Access to the cushion fastening bolts is carried out through holes in the end of the steering wheel. You will need to gently tuck in the spring locks or unscrew the bolts, depending on the specific modification of your car.
After weakening the attachment, the pillow can be carefully removed. Do not place it with the face up to the surface to avoid accidental triggering. Immediately disconnect the yellow wiring connector, which is responsible for the alarm and shock sensors.
- π§ Use a thin screwdriver or a special key to access the locks
- π Disconnect the connectors only when the ignition is turned off and the battery is disconnected
- π¦ Place the removed pillow on the soft fabric with the inner side up
If your car has multifunction steering wheel With the control buttons of the audio system or phone, the process becomes more complicated. It is necessary to remove the top lining of the steering column to access the control connectors, which are often under the block of steering switches.
What to do if the connectors are jammed?
If the connectors are jammed, do not use excessive force. Try to sway them slightly from side to side, having previously treated the contact group with a special lubricant-spray for contacts.
After turning off all wire harnesses, make sure they are not stretched and do not interfere with the free rotation of the steering column during subsequent manipulations. Excessive tension can damage thin wires inside the insulation.
Unscrewing the central steering wheel mounting bolt
The central steering wheel mount bolt is one of the tightest elements in the car. Owners Skoda Octavia Tour Often faced with the fact that the standard effort of the collar is not enough to unscrew it.
You will need a head of the appropriate size (usually 24 or 27 mm) and a long arm. If the bolt does not lend itself, you can use penetrating lubricant, but you need to do this extremely carefully so that it does not fall on the electrical connectors.
Do not try to unscrew the bolt until you are sure that the steering wheel is flat. If the wheel is turned, you risk damaging the steering rack when trying to rip the bolt off the spot.
βοΈ Check before unscrewing
Sometimes the bolt is so tight that the use of a shock head and a shock screw is required. In this case, make sure that the steering column is fixed so that the impacts do not pass to the rack mechanisms.
β οΈ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to use a gas key or levers that can bend the steering wheel or damage its plastic finish. Use only a quality tool.
- Only the key.
- Impact wrench
- Steering gear
- Special VAG filmmaker
Puller use and physical dismantling
After unscrewing the central bolt, the steering wheel is not removed by itself, since it is planted on a slit shaft with a strong tension. A special detachment must be used to remove it. Trying to simply pull the steering wheel on yourself or hit the shaft with a hammer can damage the thread or body of the steering wheel.
Install the removable by twisting its bolts into threaded holes on the steering wheel (if any) or hooking it under the rim. Then smoothly rotate the center screw of the removable, which will press on the end of the steering shaft. The steering wheel should come off the slats with a characteristic click.
- π© Use only a removable designed for passenger cars
- π Rotate the central screw evenly, without jerks
- βοΈ Make sure the skipper does not damage the spokes of the steering wheel.
If your car does not have threaded holes for the skipper, you can use the method with two bolts screwed into holes under the airbag, which will rest against the shaft. However, this method requires great care.
The steering wheel removable is not a whim, but a necessity to preserve the integrity of the shaft slits and the steering wheel itself.
Once the steering wheel is removed, it can be removed manually. Be prepared for the fact that there may be small burrs on the shaft slits, which will need to be carefully cleaned before installing a new steering wheel.
Technical nuances and spline markings
When the steering wheel is removed Skoda Octavia Tour It is important to pay attention to the marking of slats. On the shaft and inside of the steering wheel there are often marks that help to correctly install the steering wheel when assembled back.
Sometimes the steering wheel is removed with a slight skew, which can cause the steering wheel to stand crooked when driving. Carefully inspect the slats for signs of corrosion or wear. If the slits are damaged, the replacement of the steering wheel will be a mandatory procedure.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Size of central bolt | 24 mm / 27 mm | Depends on year of manufacture |
| Size of cushion bolts | 13 mm/14 mm | Socket heads |
| Type of pillow connector | Yellow | Passive safety system |
| Number of slis | 18-24 | The exact number depends on the modification |
If you are planning to install a non-standard steering wheel, make sure that its slatska part is fully compatible with the shaft of your model. A mismatch even by one slit can cause the steering wheel to dangle or not transmit force.
It is also worth checking the condition of the contact spring (clock spring) at the wheel. It is responsible for the operation of the audible alert and airbags when the steering wheel is rotating. If you plan to drive without a steering wheel for a long time or change it, donβt damage this fragile mechanism.
Steering wheel installation and final check
The steering wheel is installed in reverse order. First, the steering wheel is placed on the slits, aligned along the marks, then the central bolt is twisted with the necessary effort. After that, all connectors are connected and an airbag is installed.
Before twisting the pillow to the end, it is recommended to connect the battery and check the operation of the audible alert and sensors. If everything works correctly, you can finally tighten the cushion mounts.
After completion of all work, be sure to conduct a test drive at a low speed to make sure that there are no backlashes and the steering wheel is in the correct position. If the steering wheel is curved, you may need to adjust the collapse-declination or rearrange the steering wheel by one or two slits.
β οΈ Warning: Donβt forget to reset the airbag error through the diagnostic scanner if it catches fire after the battery is turned off. Ignoring this can cause the system to fail in an accident.
If after installing the steering wheel it is not in the center, do not try to correct this by changing the steering wheel until you check the angles of the wheel installation. Perhaps the problem is in the geometry of the suspension.
Properly executed procedure for removing and installing the steering wheel Skoda Octavia Tour It guarantees the safety of you and your passengers. Never skimp on the quality of tools and do not neglect precautions when working with the electronics of the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to remove the steering wheel without a puller?
Theoretically, you can use two bolts screwed into holes under the pillow, but this is extremely risky and can damage the steering wheel. It is recommended to use a special removable for slit joints.
Will the pillow work with the battery disconnected?
No, with the battery completely disconnected and the time sustained (10-15 minutes), the pillow is impossible to act, since there is nowhere to take energy for the pyropatron.
Do I have to make mistakes after taking off the wheel?
Yes, if the lamp of the airbag lights up when the battery or connector is turned off, it must be reset through the OBD2 diagnostic connector.
What is the tightening force of the central bolt of the steering wheel?
The recommended tightening force for most Skoda models is around 50 Nm + 90 degree reversal, but it is better to check the technical documentation for your particular model.
Compliance with all the recommendations and the use of the right tool will allow you to cope with the replacement or repair of the steering wheel, saving money on the services of a car service.