Steering Gear, Removing And Installing: Removing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2015 Audi S7, 2015 Audi A7 Quattro, 2014 Audi S7, 2014 Audi A7 Quattro, and 2013 Audi S7. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

-- Straighten the wheels.

-- Turn off the ignition and remove the key.

-- Turn the steering wheel so that the wheels are in the straight-ahead position and then tape it secure -arrow- so that it cannot turn.

Fig 1: Taping Steering Wheel

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NOTE:

Be sure to use tape that will not leave behind any residue when it is removed.

Be careful not to turn the steering wheel during the repair because the Airbag Spiral Spring/Return Spring with Slip Ring -F138- can become damaged.

-- Remove the front wheels, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

-- Remove the nut -1- from the tie rod end joint pin -2- until it is flush with the joint pin threads. Counter hold when loosening.

Fig 2: Identifying Tie Rod End Joint Pin

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NOTE:

To protect thread, screw nut on pin a few turns.

-- Remove the tie rod end from the wheel bearing housing using the Puller - Ball Joint T40010A. Remove the nut.

Fig 3: Removing Tie Rod Ball Joint

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NOTE:

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

-- Remove the noise insulations -1 and 2-, refer to NOISE INSULATION, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

Fig 4: Identifying Rear Noise Insulation

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-- Remove the nuts -arrows- and the stabilizer bar.

Fig 5: Identifying Stabilizer Bar Components

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-- Free up the clip -arrow-, disconnect the connector -1- and free up the electric wire.

Fig 6: Identifying Connector

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-- Remove the remaining clips -arrows- on the crossbrace and free up the wiring harness.

Fig 7: Removing Crossbrace

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-- Remove the crossbrace, refer to SUBFRAME CROSSBRACE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

CAUTION:

The suspension components could be damaged.

If the subframe mount, the steering gear or the subframe crossbrace are not installed correctly, do not rest the vehicle on its wheels.
The vehicle must not be supported on the subframe or the subframe crossbrace (for example using a floor jack).

-- Remove the bolt -arrow-.

Fig 8: Identifying Steering Intermediate Shaft, Steering Gear & Bolt

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-- Remove the steering intermediate shaft -1- from the steering gear -2- and support the steering intermediate shaft so that it cannot slide out.

-- Release the safety mechanism and push the retainer downward and remove the connector -1- for the vehicle signals (CAN bus and terminal 15) from the Power Steering Control Module -J500-.

Fig 9: Identifying Connector -1-

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-- Release the safety mechanism -arrow-, push the retainer downward and disconnect the connector -2- for the voltage (terminal 30) from the Power Steering Control Module -J500-.

-- Remove the bolts -1 and 2-.

Fig 10: Identifying Steering Gear

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-- Push the steering gear slightly to the side -arrow A- and remove it downward -arrow B-.