Removing and installing track rod (electromechanical steering rack) — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A8 D4 (4H, 2010–2017)

• Special tools named: puller

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• Unscrew nut (1) on joint pin (2) of track rod ball joint until it is flush with end of thread. Counterhold if necessary when loosening.
• Make sure the two lever arms of the puller are parallel when maximum force is exerted; adjust as necessary.
• Unscrew track rod. When doing so, counterhold piston rod of power steering rack using open-end spanner (1).
• Attach track rod using open-end spanner attachmentV.A.G 1923(2). When doing so, counterhold piston rod of power steering rack using open-end spanner (1).

📋 Procedure

1. Position vehicle on lifting platform .
2. Remove front wheel .
3. Remove noise insulation General body repairs, exterior66Noise insulation; Removing and installing noise insulation.
4. Measure and note down dimension (a) between track rod ball joint (1) and track rod (2) on both sides. Dimension (a) should be the same on both sides after installation.
5. If necessary, shorten the "“longer”" track rod ball joint (by screwing it further onto the track rod).

6. Clean power steering rack and subframe in vicinity of rubber boot.
7. ⚠ Take care to prevent dirt from entering the power steering rack and boot when renewing the track rod. — Release spring-type clip (3) using hose clip pliersV.A.G 1921 and detach.
8. Detach hose clip (1) and pull boot (2) outwards off power steering rack.
9. Unscrew nut (1) on joint pin (2) of track rod ball joint until it is flush with end of thread. Counterhold if necessary when loosening.
10. Press track rod ball joint off wheel bearing housing using ball joint puller T40010 A. Then remove nut. [Note: Make sure the two lever arms of the puller are parallel when maximum force is exerted; adjust as necessary.]
11. Unscrew track rod. When doing so, counterhold piston rod of power steering rack using open-end spanner (1).
12. Attach track rod using open-end spanner attachmentV.A.G 1923(2). When doing so, counterhold piston rod of power steering rack using open-end spanner (1).
13. Renew spring-type clip (3) and O-type hose clip (1).
14. Fit new hose clip (1) and tighten .
15. Align track rod so that pin of track rod ball joint is in installation position.
16. Insert track rod into wheel bearing housing as far as the stop.
17. Install front wheel .
18. Set down vehicle on its wheels .
19. Check and adjust wheel alignment as required, see chart .

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