Removing and installing power steering box: Audi TT Mk1

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi TT Mk1 (8N)

• Opens: power steering fluid
• Special tools named: 3094, puller

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• Leave nut screwed several turns onto track rod ball joint to protect thread.
• Wheel alignment must be checked after installing steering box. — Measure distance (a) to check whether steering box is in centre position.
• On front-wheel drive vehicles, there must be a clearance of 10 mm between return pipe (1) and steering box (3).
• Insert track rods in steering arms and secure in place. If the joint pin is also turned when tightening, counterhold with Torx key T40.

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. ⚠ Turn steering wheel to centre position (wheels straight-ahead) and do not turn while performing repair work, as otherwise coil connector of airbag module could be damaged. — To prevent unintentional turning, secure steering wheel in straight-ahead position with adhesive tape.
2. Unscrew plastic nuts (1) and take out cover (A).
3. Remove hexagon bolt (1).
4. Pull universal joint off steering box.
5. Remove noise insulation.

6. Detach bracket for hydraulic pipe at subframe (left-side) if necessary. Tightening torque: 3.5 Nm. — 3.5 Nm (2.6 lb-ft)
7. If fitted, detach headlight range control linkage at left wishbone .
8. Clamp off suction hose (fluid reservoir/power steering pump) using special tool (3094).
9. Detach return line from fluid reservoir and drain hydraulic fluid into a suitable container.
10. Seal return opening at fluid reservoir with a plug. [Note: Leave nut screwed several turns onto track rod ball joint to protect thread.]
11. Detach track rods from steering arms using puller Kukko 129/0.
12. Place pan underneath vehicle to catch hydraulic fluid.
13. Disconnect expansion hose (2) from steering box and seal off with a plastic bag and adhesive tape.
14. Seal off tapped hole at steering box (e.g. with plastic screw plug).
15. Return pipe (1) can be disconnected after lowering subframe.
16. Unbolt gearbox end of pendulum support.
17. Apply gearbox jack V.A.G 1383A with attachment -1359/2-.
18. Loosen bolts -1-.
19. Remove subframe bolts -2 and 3-.
20. If necessary, remove hexagon nut for retaining clip on anti-roll bar clamp (left-side). Tightening torque: 22 Nm — 22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
21. Carefully lever steering box from main subframe using a tyre lever or similar.
22. Lower subframe.
23. Detach return pipe at clamp (1) and disconnect from rotary slide valve housing (2).
24. Remove steering box bolts and take out steering box towards the rear. [Note: For tightening torques, refer to onwards.When securing pipe connections, make sure pipes to not contact or rub against other components.Do not attach universal joint of steering column to steering box pinion until vehicle is standing on ground and wheels are set to straight-ahead position.]
25. ⚠ Wheel alignment must be checked after installing steering box. — Measure distance (a) to check whether steering box is in centre position.
26. Insert steering box with guide sleeve (1) into subframe and hand-tighten the bolts.
27. Attach return pipe at clamp on steering box. [Note: On front-wheel drive vehicles, there must be a clearance of 10 mm between return pipe (1) and steering box (3).]
28. Connect return pipe to rotary slide valve housing using new seals.
29. Check correct positioning of sealing collar at steering box pinion.
30. Raise subframe and, at the same time, guide steering box pinion into opening in floor of vehicle.
31. First secure subframe with old bolts.
32. Attach expansion hose to rotary slide valve housing using new seals.
33. Attach pendulum support and exhaust system bracket.
34. Insert track rods in steering arms and secure in place. If the joint pin is also turned when tightening, counterhold with Torx key T40.
35. Connect return pipe to fluid reservoir.
36. Remove hose clamp from suction hose.
37. Install noise insulation.
38. Push universal joint onto steering pinion and secure with new bolt (1), 30 Nm. — 30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
39. Install cover.
40. Fill up with hydraulic fluid.

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