Steering Gear, Removing And Installing: Removing

-- Straighten the wheels.

-- Turn off the ignition and remove the key.

-- Turn the steering wheel so that the wheels are in the straight-ahead position and then tape it secure -arrow- so that it cannot turn.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

NOTE:

Be sure to use tape that will not leave behind any residue when it is removed.

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 WHEELS AND TIRES .

-- Remove the nut -1- from the tie rod end joint pin -2- until it is flush with the joint pin threads. Counterhold when loosening.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

NOTE:

To protect thread, screw nut on pin a few turns.

-- Remove the tie rod end from the wheel bearing housing using the :T40010A . Remove the nut.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

NOTE:

Make sure that both puller lever arms are parallel to each other when using greatest force, adjust if necessary.

-- Remove the noise insulations -1 and 2-. Refer to OVERVIEW - NOISE INSULATION .

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the nuts -arrows- and the stabilizer bar.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Free up the clip -arrow-, disconnect the connector -1- and free up the electric wire.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the remaining clips -arrows- on the crossbrace and free up the wiring harness.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the crossbrace. Refer to SUBFRAME CROSSBRACE, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

CAUTION:

The suspension components could be damaged.

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).

-- Remove the bolt -arrow-.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the steering intermediate shaft -1- from the steering gear -2- and support the steering intermediate shaft so that it cannot slide out.

-- Release the safety mechanism and push the retainer downward and remove the connector -1- for the vehicle signals (CAN bus and terminal 15) from the Power Steering Control Module -J500-.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Release the safety mechanism in direction of -arrow-, push the retainer downward and disconnect the connector -2- for the voltage (terminal 30) from the Power Steering Control Module -J500-.

-- Remove the bolts -1 and 2- and if installed remove the protective plate.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Push the steering gear slightly to the side in direction of -arrow A- and remove it downward in direction of -arrow B-.