Steering Gear: Service and Repair

Overview





Notes: Always use correct hose clips (genuine parts).

1 - Track rod ball joint
- Note left and right versions
2 - Lock nut
- Tighten to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.)
- Counterhold at flats on track rod ball joint when loosening and tightening
3 - Hose clip
- Replace - use side - cutters to open
- Tensioning; Refer to Steering Gear
4 - Boot
- Unscrew ball joint before removing
- Check for wear (cuts, cracks), ensure sealing surfaces and sealing lips are clean and undamaged
- After replacing, check center position of steering box.
5 - Hose clip
- Replace - use side - cutters to open
- Tensioning; Refer to Steering Gear
6 - Track rod
- Tightening torque at rack: 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.)
- Counterhold at flats of rack when loosening and tightening.
- After replacing, check center position of steering box.
7 - Clip with rubber inlay
- For attachment to subframe
- Can be replaced separately
- Arrow on clip points in direction of travel
8 - Power assisted steering box
- No repairs are possible, apart from replacing track rods and boot
- Removing and installing; Refer to Steering Gear. Adjusting; Refer to Steering Gear
- Checking center position; Refer to Steering Gear

Loosening and tightening track rods
- Open large hose clip on boot and pull back boot.





- Counterhold with open - end spanner (21 AF) when loosening and tightening.

Checking center position of steering box





- Check distance - a - to make sure that steering box is in center position.

Notes:
- On LED vehicles, check distance - a - on left side of steering box.
- On RED vehicles, check on right side of steering box.

a- 33.5 mm; adjust if necessary by turning steering pinion.

Installing boot
- Check boot for wear (cuts, cracks) and ensure sealing surfaces are clean.





Notes: The boot must on no account be installed twisted (illustration shows incorrect installation).





- Tension hose clips with pliers VAG1275.