1995 Audi 100 Avanti

NICKKO

MEMBER
1995 AUDI 100
5 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
228,000 MILES

Hi, My steering rack boot is torn, what do I need to do to replace it. I have a new one to put in, do I remove the whole rack out of the car?
Thanks
Nick

Saturday, August 13th, 2011 AT 8:34 AM

6 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Remove wheel and loosen tie rod end lock nut, remove tie rod end securing split pin and nut, normally a sharp blow or two on the steering arm where the tie rod fits is enough to break the taper, do not hit the tie rod end. Count how many turns to remove the tie rod end, remove nut and then boot will remove once securing clips are taken off. Fit up is reverse, ensure you re fit the tie rod the same number of turns and lock the nut up tight and always use new split pins.

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Saturday, August 13th, 2011 AT 8:55 AM

NICKKO

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3 POSTS

Thanks for that but it's the steering rack boot not the tie rod. They unbolt as a pair (left and right) and the rack is fixed ech end to the car

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Saturday, August 13th, 2011 AT 9:02 AM

MHPAUTOS

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OK, not what I was thinking off, it is rather different, looking at Mitchell 1 data base, it looks as if the rack has to be removed and dismantled to do this, there are a few expensive special tools involved, I would be getting a quote from a steering specialist or a dealer on this one.

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Saturday, August 13th, 2011 AT 9:14 AM

NICKKO

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3 POSTS

As it's just the boot over the rack I am surprised that Audi didn't make and access hole on the left end of the rack in the bodywork just like the other end has, then you could have just cut off the old one and slipped over a new one, There are no protrusions other than one oil line base which sticks up maybe 3mm, easy to get the new boot over. Does anyone know where I can look at an exploded picture of the assembly. I am an engineer by trade and used to working with hydraulics, it does not look that complicated to me and if there are any special tools I am sure I can make one.
Thanks for the answers
Nick

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Saturday, August 13th, 2011 AT 11:00 PM

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

Here is a picture of the assembly, with some instructions for tie-rod end removal. All of the pictures I can find make it look like the inner tie-rod mountings need to be removed in order to remove the boot next to the steering input universal.

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