Removing and installing track rod ball joint: Audi A6 C6

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A6 C6 (4F, 2004–2011)

• Special tools named: puller

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• Only fit track rod ball joint in wheel bearing housing (1) by hand. Take care not to apply any force to seal (2) on track rod ball joint when doing so.
• Tighten lock nut (3) using open ring spanner insertV.A.G 1332/9. Counterhold track rod at hexagon flats (4) when tightening nut.

📋 Procedure

1. Position vehicle on lifting platform .
2. Remove wheel trim; on light-alloy wheels, pull off trim cap (use puller in vehicle tool kit).
3. Remove wheel.
4. Remove bolt (1).
5. Unscrew hexagon nut (5) and take out bolt (2). [Note: Do not attempt to enlarge slots in wheel bearing housing using a chisel or similar.Do not apply chisel or similar between steering arm (1) and seal (2) on track rod ball joint to press out track rod, as this would damage seal.When pressing track rod out of steering arm, apply pressure only to end of track rod ball joint, or knock out end of joint using a wooden or rubber mallet.Press out track rod downwards.Loosen hexagon nut (3) and unscrew track rod ball joint. Hexagon flats (4) serve to counterhold track rod.Remove all grease from track rod ball joint and clamping bore in wheel bearing housing.]

6. Screw track rod ball joint onto stop on track rod.
7. Align track rod so that pin of track rod ball joint is in installation position.
8. Insert track rod ball joint into wheel bearing housing as far as the stop. [Note: Only fit track rod ball joint in wheel bearing housing (1) by hand. Take care not to apply any force to seal (2) on track rod ball joint when doing so.]
9. Tighten lock nut (3) using open ring spanner insertV.A.G 1332/9. Counterhold track rod at hexagon flats (4) when tightening nut.
10. Insert bolt (2) and tighten nut (5).
11. Insert and tighten bolt (1).
12. Fit and secure wheel Wheels and tyres44.
13. Stand vehicle on its wheels .
14. Check and adjust wheel alignment .

🎬 Related video tutorial

Independent AUTODOC tutorial for the same job, filmed on a different model (A6 C5) — the technique carries over, the fasteners and figures on this page are the ones for your car.

How to change tie rod end / track rod end on AUDI A6 C5 TUTORIAL

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