Audi A4: Guide Link, Removing and Installing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-
• Torque Wrench 1332 Insert - Ring Wrench - 21mm -VAG1332/7-
• Engine and Gearbox Jack -VAS6931-
• Puller - Ball Joint -T40043-

  Caution

This procedure contains mandatory replaceable parts. Refer to component overview and parts catalog prior to starting procedure.

Mandatory Replacement Parts

• Nut - Guide Link to Wheel Bearing Housing
• Bolt/Nut - Guide Link to Subframe

Removing

- Before starting the procedure, determine the curb weight position. Refer to → Chapter "Wheel Bearing in Curb Weight Position, Lifting Vehicles with Coil Spring".

- Remove the front wheel. Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires".

- Remove the rear noise insulation. Refer to → Body Exterior; Rep. Gr.66; Noise Insulation; Noise Insulation, Removing and Installing.

- Remove the subframe shield and move it to the side. Refer to → Chapter "Subframe Shield, Removing and Installing".

- To protect the threads, remove the nut -arrow- on the guide link joint pin until it is flush with the joint pin threads.

- Press out the guide link joint pin with the -T40043- from the conical seat. Do not damage the CV boot while doing so.

  WARNING

There is a risk of injury from falling components.

When pressing off, the guide link loosens abruptly from the wheel bearing housing. Use, for example, the -VAS6931- to secure.

- Remove the nut and free up the guide link on the wheel bearing housing. It may be necessary to counterhold the joint pin with a TX 40 socket to do this.

- Remove the nut -3- and bolt -2-.

- Remove the guide link -1-.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:

- When reusing the guide link, clean any locking compound residue off the pin threads.

- Install the threaded connections for the components with bonded rubber bushings only until the stop, but do not tighten yet.

  Note

Bonded rubber bushings have a limited range of rotation. Only tighten the threaded connections for the suspension when the vehicle is in curb weight position.

- Lift the wheel bearing in curb weight position. Refer to → Chapter "Wheel Bearing in Curb Weight Position, Lifting Vehicles with Coil Spring".

• Overview table for when an axle alignment is needed. Refer to → Chapter "Need for Axle Alignment, Evaluating".

Tightening Specifications

• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Lower Control Arm and Ball Joint"
• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Subframe"
• Refer to → Body Exterior; Rep. Gr.66; Noise Insulation; Overview - Noise Insulation.
• Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires"

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