Audi A4: Steering Gear, Removing and Installing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque Wrench 1331 5-50Nm -VAG1331-
• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-
• Engine and Gearbox Jack -VAS6931-
• Ball Joint Splitter -VAS251805-, not illustrated
• Locating Pin -T40334-
• Support Brace -T40335-

  Caution

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

Mandatory Replacement Parts

• Nut - Steering Gear with Tie Rods to Wheel Bearing Housing
• Bolt - Steering Intermediate Shaft to Steering Gear with Tie Rods
• Bolts - Subframe Crossbrace/Steering Gear to Subframe

Removing

- Bring wheels in the straight position.

- Switch off the ignition.

- Secure the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position using tape so that it does not turn unintentionally -arrow-.

  Note

• Use adhesive tape, which can be removed without leaving any adhesive residue.
• Be careful not to turn the steering wheel during the repair because the Airbag Spiral Spring/Return Spring with Slip Ring -F138- can become damaged.

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

- To protect the threads, remove the nut -arrow- from the tie rod end joint pin until it is flush with the joint pin threads.

  WARNING

There is a risk of injury from falling components.

When pressing off, the tie rod end loosens abruptly from the wheel bearing housing. Use, for example, the -VAS6931- to secure.

  Caution

There is a risk of damaging the ball joint puller.

Make sure that both puller lever arms are parallel to each other when using maximum force.

- Remove the tie rod end with the -VAS251805- from the wheel bearing housing.

- Then remove the nut. Use a 6 mm inner hex socket to counterhold at the joint pin if necessary.

- Repeat the procedure on the other side of the vehicle.

- Remove the bolt -2-.

- Remove the universal joint -1- for the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear -3-.

- Lower the subframe crossbrace and do not press the guide link joint pin away from the conical seat while doing this. Refer to → Chapter "Subframe Crossbrace, Removing and Installing".

  Caution

There is a risk of damaging the suspension components.

• If the subframe mount, the steering gear or the subframe crossbrace are not installed correctly, do not rest the vehicle on its wheels.
• The vehicle must not be supported on the subframe or the subframe crossbrace (for example using a floor jack).

- Release the safety catch and push the retainer down to disconnect the connectors -3 and 4- from the Power Steering Control Module -J500-.

- Free up the wiring duct -2- for the wires on the steering gear -1-.

  WARNING

There is an accident risk due to the weight of the steering gear.

A second technician is required to remove the steering gear.

- Insert the -T40335- on the left and right side into the subframe. If required, adjust the support brace at the knurled handle -1-.

- Secure the brace on the left and right side using a cotter pin -arrow-.

  Caution

Risk of damaging the boot.

The steering gear must not contact the boots during removal.

- Remove the -T40334- and remove the steering gear.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:

- Install the subframe crossbrace. Refer to → Chapter "Subframe Crossbrace, Removing and Installing".

- Install the steering intermediate shaft. Refer to → Chapter "Steering Intermediate Shaft, Removing and Installing".

After installing a new steering gear with Power Steering Control Module -J500-, activate the control module.

- Connect the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

- Switch the ignition on.

- Select and start the Diagnostic operating mode.

- Select the Test plan tab.

- Select the Select individual test button and select the following tree structure consecutively:

• Chassis
• Steering
• 01 - OBD-capable systems
• 44 - Power Steering Control Module J500
• 44 - Power Steering Control Module Functions
• 44 - Control Module, Replacing

- Start the selected program and follow the instructions on the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester display.

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

Tightening Specifications

• Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Steering Gear"

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