Tie Rod, Removing And Installing, Hydraulic Power Steering Gear: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

The tie rods can be removed and installed with the steering gear installed.

-- Park the vehicle on the hoist.

-- Remove the wheel.

-- Remove the noise insulation. Refer to NOISE INSULATION, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- Measure the dimension -a- between the tie rod head -1- and the left and right tie rod -2- and make a note of the value. Dimension -a- should be the same on the left and right sides after installing.

Fig 1: Measuring Tie Rod / Tie Rod Head Dimension

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- If necessary, shorten the "longer" tie rod end (install it deeper into the tie rod).

-- Clean the power steering gear and subframe in the boot area.

CAUTION:

Dirt must not enter the power steering gear and boot when replacing the tie rod.

-- Open the spring clamp -3- with the :VAG1921 and remove it.

Fig 2: Identifying Power Steering Gear Boot

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the clamp -1- and remove the boot -2- from the power steering gear.

-- Remove the nut -1- from the tie rod end joint pin -2- until it is flush with the joint pin threads. When tightening, counterhold on the joint pin inner hex socket.

Fig 3: Identifying Tie Rod End Joint Pin

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

To Protect the Thread, Screw the Nut on the Pin Several Turns.

-- Remove the tie rod end from the wheel bearing housing using the :T40010A . Remove the nut.

Fig 4: Removing Tie Rod Ball Joint

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

NOTE:

Make sure that both puller lever arms are parallel to each other when using greatest force, adjust if necessary.

-- Remove the tie rod using the :VAG1923 -2-.

Fig 5: Removing Tie Rod

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC