Audi Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Removing and installing track rods Special tools and workshop equipment required

t  Torque wrench -V.A.G 1332-

t  Hose clip pliers -V.A.G 1921-

t  Open-end spanner attachment -V.A.G 1923-

t  Locking pliers for steering box -VAS 6199-

t  Ball joint puller -T40010 A- t  Ring spanner insert -V.A.G 1332/10- Removing The track rods can be removed and installed with the steering box in the vehicle. –  Raise vehicle on lifting platform. –  Remove wheel. –  Remove noise insulation → Rep. gr.66.

–  Measure and note down dimension -a- between track rod ball joint -2- and track rod -1- on both sides. Dimension -a- should be the same on both sides after installation. –  If necessary, shorten the „longer“ track rod ball joint (by screwing it further into the track rod). –  Clean power steering box and subframe in vicinity of rubber boot.   Caution Take care to prevent dirt from entering the power steering box and boot when renewing the track rod.

–  Release spring-type clip -3- using hose clip pliers -V.A.G 1921- and detach. –  Detach hose clip -1- and pull boot -2- outwards off power steering box.

–  Unscrew nut -1- on joint pin -2- of track rod ball joint until it is flush with end of thread. Counterhold if necessary when loosening. Leave nut screwed on a few turns to protect threads on joint pin.

–  Press track rod ball joint off wheel bearing housing using ball joint puller -T40010 A-. Then remove nut.   Note Make sure the two lever arms of the puller are parallel when maximum force is exerted; adjust as necessary.

–  Unscrew track rod. When doing so, counterhold piston rod of power steering box using open-end spanner -1-. 2 -  Open-end spanner attachment -V.A.G 1923- Installing Installation is carried out in the reverse sequence. Note the following points: Tightening torques → Chapter „Servicing power steering box“ Tightening torques → Chapter „Exploded view of power steering box“

–  Attach track rod using open-end spanner attachment -V.A.G 1923--2-. When doing so, counterhold piston rod of power steering box using open-end spanner -1-.

–  Renew spring-type clip -3- and O-type hose clip -1-.

Installing O-type hose clip: Make sure that dimension -A- is not greater than 5.7 mm. Dimension -A- must never exceed 5.7 mm, as otherwise leakage can occur. –  Install new hose clip and tighten clip using locking pliers for steering box -VAS 6199-. –  Align track rod so that pin of track rod ball joint is in installation position. –  Insert track rod into wheel bearing housing as far as the stop. –  Fit and secure wheel → Wheels and tyres; Rep. gr.44. –  Wheel alignment must be checked and adjusted, see chart → Chapter.