Tie Rod, Removing And Installing: Removing

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

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

-- 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- must be the same on the left and right sides after installing.

Fig 1: Measuring Tie Rod Head / Tie Rod Dimension

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

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

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

-- Open the spring clamp -3- with the Hose Clip Pliers VAG 1921 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. Counter hold when loosening.

Fig 3: Identifying Tie Rod End Joint Pin

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

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 4: Removing Tie Rod Ball Joint

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove tie rod. Counter hold at the power steering gear coupling rod with an open end wrench -1-.

Fig 5: Removing Tie Rod

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

2 -

Torque Wrench Insert - Open Jaw VAG 1923