Steering rack DIY repair and fluid replacement Audi s 4

In detail: do-it-yourself steering rack repair and replacement of Audi fluid with 4 from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

A malfunction of the steering is indicated by characteristic knocks, which are accompanied by an unpleasant twitch of the steering wheel on an uneven road. There are two ways out - replacing the steering rack with your own hands or repairing an old rack.

The first option is more reliable, below we will talk about how to do it.

Image - Steering rack DIY repair and fluid replacement Audi s 4

WD40
  1. Set of wrenches, socket and ratchet heads.
  2. Tip remover.
  3. Hammer and thin screwdriver.
  4. Liquid key.
  5. Rags.
  6. Wooden props.

Image - Steering rack DIY repair and fluid replacement Audi s 4

Steering rack and tips
  1. Before starting work, set the car on a level place and lock the parking brake. Place bricks under the rear wheels for safety. Having fixed the car, go to the front.
  2. We expose the steering wheel to neutral position.
  3. Loosen the wheel nuts in turn.

Image - Steering rack DIY repair and fluid replacement Audi s 4

Loosen the wheel nuts

When all the work is done, we jack up one side of the car, remove the wheel and, having installed the supports, lower the car. We do the same on the other side. This frees up access to the steering tips, making it easier to remove the steering rack.

Before unscrewing the steering tips, clean the mounting bolts from dirt with a metal brush, and pour over the WD solution (liquid wrench).

While the liquid is still corroding the rust, we move into the engine compartment and free up access to the steering rack.

Image - Steering rack DIY repair and fluid replacement Audi s 4

Unscrew the absorber

Free removal will be hindered by a gas adsorber and an alarm siren (if any). Carefully unscrew the terminals and remove them to the side.

If you change the tips along with the steering, then when dismantling the old ones, you can knock them out with a hammer, if not, then it is better to use a puller.

Video (click to play).

Image - Steering rack DIY repair and fluid replacement Audi s 4

Tie rod puller

Using the pliers, remove the key from the fastening nut and unscrew it. We insert the fork-shaped mount under the rubber seal, and put the upper part of the finger onto the tip bolt. We tighten the puller nut until it stops and knock the tip out of the rack mount with a hammer blow.

Image - Steering rack DIY repair and fluid replacement Audi s 4

Removing the handpieces

Image - Steering rack DIY repair and fluid replacement Audi s 4

Steering gimbal locking bolt
  • We loosen the fastenings of the cross. This connection is located inside the passenger compartment under the brake pedal. Remove the rubber mat and raise the trim out of the way. The internal fastening is made in the form of a clamp with small slots and only one nut must be unscrewed to release it.
  • We return under the hood and unscrew the nuts securing the steering clamps.
  • The rail is free, it remains only to remove it. Taking the body with both hands, start, loosening, pull it towards you. If you can't remove it, it means that the spline connection in the cabin is stuck. Take a hammer and tap it lightly.
  • When you have completely detached all fasteners, carefully slide the steering rack out through the hole in the wheel arch space. To remove it without hindrance, you have to turn it to the right or left so that the splined shaft goes into the groove. Which way to turn, be guided by the place.

Image - Steering rack DIY repair and fluid replacement Audi s 4

Dismantling the rail

Remove the steering wheel very carefully so as not to damage the fuel hose or electrical wiring. It is better if you will carry out all the work with an assistant..

The rail is removed - we remove it to the side and start preparing for the installation of a new one.

Image - Steering rack DIY repair and fluid replacement Audi s 4

Installing a new steering rack
  • Clean all seats with a brush and sandpaper. Coat the landing pins with grease or graphite grease.
  • Before installing a new rail, you need to open the plugs and fill the holes with lithol.
  • Now we put the rail into the engine compartment. This is done in the reverse order of removal. Rotate it carefully around the axis so as not to damage the mechanisms and wiring.
  • We put the rail on the studs, put on the clamps and attach the nuts.

When connecting the spline part with the steering "worm", you will need an assistant. One guides from the outside, the second connects to the clamp in the passenger compartment. The main thing is that the groove on the slots coincides with the hole in the clamp. Otherwise, you will not be able to insert the fixing bolt.

  • At the last stage, you need to tighten the stud nuts. This must be done sequentially, first twisting them a little and then tightening them to the limit.
  • The rail is installed, we put on the tips, wrap them up and install the wheels.

Be sure to adjust the toe-out after installation.

Before starting work, watch the video on how to remove the steering rack yourself: