Audi A4: Boot, Removing and Installing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

• Torque Wrench 1331 5-50Nm -VAG1331-
• Hose Clip Pliers -VAS6362-
• Hose Clip Pliers -VAG1921-

  Caution

This procedure contains mandatory replaceable parts. Refer to component overview and parts catalog prior to starting procedure.

Mandatory Replacement Parts

• Spring Clamp - Boot to Tie Rod End
• Clamp - Boot to Steering Gear

Removing

  Caution

There is a risk of destroying the steering gear from moisture and dirt getting inside when the boot is faulty.

• There must be a visible film of grease present on the steering rack near the splines. If the film of grease is missing, replace the steering gear.
• Dirt must not enter through the faulty boot or get into the open steering gear when cleaning the steering gear and surrounding components, when removing the steering gear components or when greasing the steering gear.

  Note

Follow the guidelines for clean working conditions. Refer to → Chapter "Guidelines for Clean Working Conditions".

- Bring wheels in the straight position.

- Remove the front noise insulation. Refer to → Body Exterior; Rep. Gr.66; Noise Insulation; Noise Insulation, Removing and Installing.

- Remove the tie rod end. Refer to → Chapter "Tie Rod End, Removing and Installing".

- Clean the steering gear and the subframe near the boot.

- Remove the nut from the tie rod.

- Open the spring clamp -3- with the -VAG1921- and remove it.

- Remove the clamp -1- and remove the boot -2- outward from the steering gear.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal and note the following:

  Note

Replace the boot after removal.

  Caution

Risk of damaging the boot due to improper handling.

• Do not crush the boot folds.
• Do not bring the boot into contact with hard or sharp objects.

- Check the seating of the boot on the steering gear for damage. Replace the steering gear if the seal seat is damaged.

- Coat the seating of the inner boot all around and evenly with Steering Gear Grease -G 052 168 A1-.

- Coat the steering rack on toothed side -A- and on the thrust piece side with Steering Gear Grease -G 052 168 A1- by turning the steering all the way in the corresponding direction.

- Bring wheels in the straight position.

- Slide the boot onto the steering gear housing with a new clamp.

- Make sure that the boot is seated correctly.

• The boot must fit in the groove and on the steering gear.

- Tension the inner clamp -1-. Refer to → Fig. "Tighten the Inner Clamp using the Locking Pliers -VAS6199-.".

- Secure the spring clip -3- on the boot -2- with the Hose Clip Pliers -VAS6362-, and pay attention to the installation position at the same time. Refer to → Fig. "Outer Boot Installation Position".

• Overview table for when an axle alignment is needed. 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"

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