Overview - Steering Gear, Tie Rods

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Steering Gear, Tie Rods

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Clamp
   • Always replace after removing
   • Do not open the new clamp
   • Tensioning. Refer to Fig 4.
2. Tie Rod
   • 140 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.
   • Removing and installing. Refer to TIE ROD, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
   • Grease the joint with Steering Gear Grease :G 052 168 A1 
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
   • 80 Nm
   • When loosening and tightening, counterhold at the tie rod end
6. Spring Clamp
   • Always replace after removing
   • Spring clamp, installing. Refer to Fig 3.
7. Boot
   • Always replace after removing
   • Always replace. Refer to BOOT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
   • Check for damage
   • Must not be twisted when toe is being adjusted
   • Do not crumple the boot
   • Do not bring into contact with hard or sharp objects.
   • Grease the sealing locations with Steering Gear Grease :G 052 168 A1 
8. Clamp
   • Always replace after removing
   • Do not open the new clamp
   • Tensioning. Refer to Fig 4.
9. Tie Rod
   • 140 Nm
   • Grease the joint with Steering Gear Grease :G 052 168 A1 
   • 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.
   • Removing and installing. Refer to TIE ROD, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
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
    • 80 Nm
    • When loosening and tightening, counterhold at the tie rod end
12. Spring Clamp
    • Always replace after removing
    • Spring clamp, installing. Refer to Fig 3.
13. Boot
    • Replace after removing
    • Check for damage
    • Do not crumple the boot
    • Do not bring into contact with hard or sharp objects.
    • Must not be twisted when toe is being adjusted
    • Grease the sealing locations with Steering Gear Grease :G 052 168 A1 
    • Installation position. Refer to Fig 3.
    • Replacing. 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 190 mm, replace the entire steering gear with the tie rod and tie rod end as well as the control arm on this side of the vehicle.
• Replace the entire steering gear if it is damaged or there are acoustic abnormalities.

Outer Boot Installation Position 

Fig 3: Outer Boot Installation Position

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Slide on the boot -2- and position on the tie rod -1- groove -arrow- as shown.

Tighten the Inner Clamp using the Locking Pliers VAS6199. 

Fig 4: Tighten the Inner Clamp using the Locking Pliers : VAS6199.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Tighten the new clamp -1- using Locking Pliers :VAS6199  to the extent it is shown in the illustration.