Overview - Steering Gear, Tie Rods

Fig 1: Electro-Mechanical Steering Gear Overview

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Clamp
   • Replace after removing
   • Do not open the new clamp
   • Tensioning. Refer to Fig 4.
2. Tie Rod
   • Grease the joint with Steering Gear Grease: G 052 168 A1 
   • Removing and Installing. Refer to TIE ROD, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
   • 100 Nm
   • If the tie rod is bent and must be replaced, the control arm on this side of the vehicle is also damaged and must be replaced.
3. Steering Gear
   • Grease the steering rack with Steering Gear Grease: G 052 168 A1 
   • Removing and Installing. Refer to STEERING GEAR, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
4. Tie Rod End
   • Check dust cap for damage and correct seating.
   • Check dimension. Refer to Fig 2
   • Removing and Installing. Refer to TIE ROD END, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
   • If the tie rod end is bent and must be replaced, the control arm on this side of the vehicle is also damaged and must be replaced.
5. Nut
   • When loosening and tightening, counterhold at the tie rod end
   • 80 Nm
6. Spring Clamp
   • Replace after removing
   • Spring Clamp, Installing. Refer to Fig 3.
7. Boot
   • Check for damage
   • Replace after removing
   • Must not be twisted when toe is being adjusted
   • Do not crumple the boot
   • Do not bring into contact with hard or sharp objects.
   • Make sure it is installed correctly. Refer to Fig 4.
   • Replacing. Refer to BOOT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
8. Clamp
   • Replace after removing
   • Do not open the new clamp
   • Tensioning. Refer to Fig 4.
9. Tie Rod
   • Grease the joint with Steering Gear Grease: G 052 168 A1 
   • Removing and Installing. Refer to TIE ROD, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
   • 100 Nm
   • If the tie rod is bent and must be replaced, the control arm on this side of the vehicle is also damaged and must be replaced.
10. Tie Rod End
    • Check dust cap for damage and correct seating.
    • Check dimension. Refer to Fig 2
    • Removing and Installing. Refer to TIE ROD END, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
    • If the tie rod end is bent and must be replaced, the control arm on this side of the vehicle is also damaged and must be replaced.
11. Nut
    • When loosening and tightening, counterhold at the tie rod end
    • 80 Nm
12. Spring Clamp
    • Replace after removing
    • Spring Clamp, Installing. Refer to Fig 3.
13. Boot
    • Check for damage
    • Replace after removing
    • Do not turn when toe is being adjusted
    • Do not crumple the boot
    • Do not bring into contact with hard or sharp objects.
    • Installation position. Refer to Fig 3.
    • Removing and Installing. Refer to BOOT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

Tie rod end check dimension

Fig 2: Tie Rod End Check Dimension

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

• Place a steel ruler -2- on the tie rod end and push it up to the edge of the roller -arrow- on the tie rod end -1-.
• If the check dimension -a- is less than 200 mm, replace the complete steering gear with the tie rod and tie rod end as well as the control arm on this side of the vehicle.

Outer boot installation position

Fig 3: Identifying Outer Boot Assembly Dimension -A-

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

• Dimension -a- = 2 mm.

Inner Clamp, Tensioning using Clamping Pliers V. A. G 1682A

Fig 4: Tension the Clamp Using the : VAG1682A.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Attach the Clamping Pliers: V. A. G 1682A  as shown.

• The jaws on the pliers must be centered -arrow- on the clamp -2-.
• The spindle threads must turn easily. If necessary, coat with MoS₂ lubricating grease.
• If difficult to tighten, for example because of dirty threads, the proper clamping force of the clamping sleeve will not be reached even when tightened to the specification.

-- Tighten the lock washer with the torque wrench by turning the spindle -1-. Do not tilt the pliers when doing this.

Tightening Specifications