Audi Q5: Tie Rod, Removing and Installing
Electromechanical Steering Gear Tie Rod, Removing and Installing
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-
- Torque Wrench 1332 Insert - Ring Wrench - 21mm -VAG1332/7-
- Hose Clip Pliers -VAG1921-
- Torque Wrench Insert - Open Jaw -VAG1923-
- Clamping Pliers -VAG1682A- with Clamping Pliers - Jaws -VAG1682A/1-
- Puller - Ball Joint -T40010A-
Removing
The tie rods can be removed and installed with the steering gear in the vehicle.
- Remove the wheels.
- Remove the noise insulation. Refer to → Body Exterior; Rep. Gr.66; Noise Insulation.
- Measure the dimension -a- between the tie rod head -1- and the left and right tie rod -2- and make a note of the value. Dimension -a- must be the same on the left and right sides after installing.
- If necessary, shorten the "longer" tie rod head (installed it deeper into the tie rod).
- Clean the power steering gear and subframe in the boot area.
Caution
Dirt must not enter the power steering gear and boot when replacing the tie rod.
- Open the spring clamp -3- with the Hose Clip Pliers -VAG1921- and remove it.
- Remove the clamp -1- and remove the boot -2- from the power steering gear.
- Remove the nut -1- from the tie rod end joint pin -2- until it is flush with the joint pin threads. Counterhold when loosening.
To protect thread, screw nut on pin a few turns.
- Remove the tie rod end from the wheel bearing housing using the Puller - Ball Joint -T40010A-. Remove the nut.
Note
Make sure that both puller lever arms are parallel to each other when using greatest force, adjust if necessary.
- Remove tie rod. Counterhold at the power steering gear coupling rod with an open end wrench -1-.
2 - Torque Wrench Insert - Open Jaw -VAG1923-
Installing
Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:
Replace the boot each time it is removed.
Coat the inside of the seat for the boot all the way around and evenly with power steering gear grease before installing. Refer to the Parts Catalog.
Check the seat for the boot on the steering gear for damage before installing. If the steering gear housing is damaged, replace the steering gear.
- Attach the tie rod using the Torque Wrench Insert - Open Jaw -VAG1923--2-. Counterhold at the power steering gear coupling rod with an open end wrench -1-.
- Replace the spring clamp -3- and the clamp -1-.
Clamping Sleeves, Installing:
- Install the new clamp -1- and tension it with the Clamping Pliers -VAG1682A-. Refer to → Fig. "Tensioning the Inner Clamp".
Boot Assembly
- Dimension -a- 2 mm.
- Align tie rod so that tie rod ball joint pints are in installation location.
- Insert the tie rod into the wheel bearing housing as far as the stop.
- Mount the front wheel. Refer to → Chapter "Wheel Bolt Tightening Specifications".
- An axle alignment may be required. Refer to → Chapter "Evaluating Need for Axle Alignment".
The axle alignment must be performed on a VW/Audi approved alignment stand.
