← Crafter Volkswagen Crafter repair manuals →
Autopapyrus · Volkswagen Crafter (1st generation)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/volkswagen/crafter/upper-steering-shaft-u-joint-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Volkswagen Crafter (1st generation): Upper Steering Shaft U-Joint Replacement

The upper steering shaft joint is located at the steering column, under the dash in the driver's footwell. Signs of wear: a knock or play in the steering wheel when changing direction of rotation, especially when driving over bumps. The job is not difficult, but it is safety-related: an error during assembly will lead to an off-center steering wheel or damage to the airbag clockspring. The exact procedure for this engine and model year is not documented in publicly available service materials. Below is the general principle for the Crafter steering shaft; torque values are given as a range.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 1-2 hours Steps: 11

Parts

2
№PartGenuine part no.
01 Intermediate steering shaft with upper U-joint, assembly, VW Crafter I 2E1419315
2E1419315C
02 Self-locking clamp bolts, newset per shaft

Part numbers are from the manufacturer's original catalogue. Check them against your VIN before ordering.

Tools

7
  • Socket and wrench set (usually Torx or hex for the clamp bolts, verify on the vehicle)
  • torque wrench
  • screwdriver or small pry bar for spreading the clamps
  • marker or paint for alignment marks
  • steering wheel lock or strap to hold the wheel
  • jack and stands
  • flashlight
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes AutoFix (online) and 1 more. See manuals →

Step by step

11 steps
  1. Park the vehicle on level ground, set the wheels strictly straight ahead, and lock the steering wheel in the center position. Remove the key so the steering column does not lock. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait a few minutes for the airbag system capacitors to discharge.
  2. Remove the lower trim panel under the steering column and, if necessary, the floor mat and the protective cover in the driver's footwell, so you have access to both joints of the shaft.
  3. Use a marker to make alignment marks: the upper joint relative to the column splines, and the lower joint relative to the steering rack shaft. This is needed to preserve the steering wheel position.
  4. Remove the clamp bolt of the upper joint at the column. The bolt is usually removed completely, and the clamp is spread slightly with a screwdriver.
  5. Remove the clamp bolt of the lower joint on the steering rack shaft. If the shaft is being replaced as a complete assembly, remove the entire shaft. If the shaft has a telescoping section, compress it carefully during removal.
  6. Slide the shaft down and to the side and pull it off the splines. Do not turn the steering wheel with the shaft removed: you can knock the airbag clockspring in the steering wheel out of position, and the steering rack off center.
  7. Compare the old and new shafts: length, number of splines, and location of the bolt notch. Check the splines on the column and rack for wear, and clean off dirt and rust if necessary. Splines may be lubricated only with a thin layer of grease.
  8. Install the new shaft: first onto the rack splines, then onto the column splines, aligning the marks. The notch for the clamp bolt must line up with the groove on the spline.
  9. Install new self-locking clamp bolts. Tighten with a torque wrench to approximately 20-30 N·m (15-22 lb-ft); the exact value and any angle tightening step should be taken from the manufacturer's specifications.
  10. Reconnect the battery, turn the ignition on, and make sure the airbag and steering warning lights are not lit. Check that the steering wheel is level when the wheels point straight ahead, and that steering travel to the left and right is equal.
  11. Take a test drive at low speed: check for knocks and play, that the vehicle tracks straight, and that the steering wheel returns after turning. Recheck the bolt tightness after 100-200 km (60-125 miles).

Common mistakes and warnings

  • The steering is a safety system
  • If you have no experience working with steering and airbag systems, take the vehicle to a repair shop
  • Do not reuse old clamp bolts, and do not leave the steering wheel free to rotate with the shaft removed
  • If the steering wheel sits crooked after assembly or a warning light comes on, do not drive the vehicle until the cause is corrected