Steering Gear, Removing And Installing: Removing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2024 Audi SQ8, 2024 Audi Q8, 2023 Audi SQ8, and 2023 Audi Q8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Vehicles with active suspension: pay attention to the safety precautions. Refer to SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING ON VEHICLES WITH ACTIVE SUSPENSION .

-- If the steering gear is replaced with the Power Steering Control Module -J500-, then select the "Control Module, Replacing" program. Refer to DIAGNOSTIC ENTRIES .

-- Start the selected program and follow the instructions on the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester display.

-- Bring wheels in the straight position.

-- Switch off the ignition.

-- Use the steering wheel locking device -2- to lock the steering wheel -1- when the wheels are in straight-ahead position.

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-- Remove the front wheels. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

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

CAUTION:

There is a risk of damaging the components by handling them incorrectly.

If the assembly mount, steering gear or subframe crossbrace is incorrectly installed, then resting the vehicle on its wheels can damage components.

- Never place the vehicle with loosened suspension components on its wheels.

- Never support the vehicle with loosened suspension components on the subframe or subframe crossbrace.

-- To protect the threads, remove the nut -arrow- from the tie rod end joint pin until it is flush with the joint pin threads.

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CAUTION:

Abruptly loosening the tie rod end when removing increases the risk of injury.

It is possible that parts of the body may become bruised.

- Secure the tool with the engine and gearbox jack placed underneath.

CAUTION:

There is a risk of damaging the ball joint puller by using it incorrectly.

- Make sure that both puller lever arms are parallel to each other when using maximum force.

-- Press off the tie rod with the Ball Joint Splitter:VAS 251 805 from the wheel bearing housing.

-- Then remove the nut. Counterhold on the joint pin with a 6 mm inner hex socket if necessary.

-- Repeat the procedure on the other side of the vehicle.

Vehicles without Sway Stabilization:

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-- Remove the nuts -arrows- on both sides.

-- Lower the stabilizer bar -2-.

Vehicles with Sway Stabilization:

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-- Remove the bolts -arrows- on both sides.

-- Tie up the stabilizer bar -2-.

Continuation for All Vehicles:

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-- Remove the bolt -1-.

-- Remove the universal joint -2- of the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear -3-.

-- Disconnect the connectors -1 and 2- from the Power Steering Control Module -J500-. Loosen the retainer arrow and push the release downward to do so.

Fig 1: Identifying Connector

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-- Remove the bolts -1 and 2-.

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Gear

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CAUTION:

There is a risk of damaging the boot if handled incorrectly.

- Do not let the steering gear touch the boots.

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