Audi Q7: Tie Rod, Removing and Installing
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-
- Torque Wrench Insert - Open Jaw -VAG1923-
Removing
Note
Follow the guidelines for clean working conditions. Refer to → Chapter "Guidelines for Clean Working Conditions".
- Remove the boot. Refer to → Chapter "Boot, Removing and Installing".
- Position the front wheels as follows:
- For the left tie rod, turn the steering to the left until it stops
- For the right tie rod, turn the steering to the right until it stops
- Remove the spring clip with the Torque Wrench Insert - Open Jaw -VAG1923--2- to do so counterhold on the steering rack of the steering gear with an open end wrench -1-.
Caution
Risk of destroying the steering gear by moisture and dirt entering.
There must be visible grease film present on steering rack in area of splines. If the grease film is missing replace the steering gear.
Installing
Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:
- Install the boot. Refer to → Chapter "Boot, Removing and Installing".
- Overview table for if an axle alignment is necessary. Refer to → Chapter "Need for Axle Alignment, Evaluating".
Tightening Specifications
- Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Steering Gear"
- Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Steering Gear, Tie Rods"
- Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires"
Tie Rod End, Removing and Installing
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm -VAG1332-
- Torque Wrench 1332 Insert - Ring Wrench - 21mm -VAG1332/7-
- Ball Joint Splitter -VAS251805-
Removing
- Remove the front wheel. Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires".
- 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.
- To protect the threads remove the nut -arrow- on the joint pin tie rod head until it is flush with the threads of the joint pin.
WARNING
Risk of injury from falling components!
When pressing off, the tie rod end loosens abruptly from the wheel bearing housing. Use, for example, the Engine and Gearbox Jack -VAS6931- to secure.
Caution
There is a risk of damaging the ball joint puller.
Pay attention that both puller lever arms are parallel to each other when using greatest force.
- Remove the tie rod end with the Ball Joint Splitter -VAS251805- from the wheel bearing housing.
- Remove the nut to do so if necessary counterhold on the joint pin with a 6 mm inner hex socket.
- Only loosen the nut -2- while doing so, counterhold the tie rod end -3-.
- Remove the tie rod end, at the same time counterhold on the tie rod hex fitting -1- if necessary.
Installing
Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:
- Mount the tie rod head -1- on the tie rod -2- until dimension -a-, which was measured during removal, is reached.
- Align the tie rod head so that the pin is in the installation position.
- Insert the tie rod head all the way in the wheel bearing housing.
- To tighten the nut -1- if necessary counterhold on the joint pin with a 6 mm hex socket wrench.
- Tighten the nut -2-
- Overview table for if an axle alignment is necessary. Refer to → Chapter "Need for Axle Alignment, Evaluating".
Tightening Specifications
- Refer to → Chapter "Overview - Steering Gear"
- Refer to → Chapter "Wheels and Tires"
