Steering play VW T5/T6 (solution) (Solution)

Unfortunately, the steering on my T6 (year 2018) had some play. You could turn the steering wheel 3-4mm back and forth without anything moving at the wheels or the steering gear. Not noticeable at low speeds on winding roads, but annoying on straight highways with ruts.

The parts that often cause problems are the interlocking square tubes at the cross joint of the steering shaft in the footwell, or the attachment of the cross joint in the footwell to the outer housing.

Since the T5/T6 steering column contains various universal joints between the steering wheel and the steering gear, it is recommended to check whether the square tubes are actually the cause of the play. To do this, use a pipe wrench to secure the steering column at the opening in the footwell, while gently wiggling the steering wheel.

"On my T6, the play could be eliminated with a stainless steel clamping ring with an inner diameter of 24mm. This ring fits onto the outer square tube and can easily squeeze it." The outer diameter should not be larger than that of the upper cross joint (being 1mm larger is acceptable) so that the rubber sleeve still fits.

It is important to ensure, through constructive measures, that no parts can come loose and, at worst, block the steering!
Therefore, this should not be understood as an instruction, but only as informative about the possibilities that exist.