lemieux@curbside

and both ends before i get an alignment all around (after co's install)..
for you guys that did it before.. (i remember nick gustas gave me couple tips).. what is the best way to access the clamp on the inside of the tierod/steering rack , the clamp holding the end of the boot is far in and hard to access .. what is the best way to get to it and what clamp should i use when i put it back together (another stock type one or a regular clamp with screw -- what's easier?)and how hard is to unscrew the old inner tie rod and replace it ? is it easy accesible with the steering wheel all the way to the left?
Thanks much !!

Nick Gustas

If you are lucky you can reuse it, but I'd have a replacement on hand. You have to remove the plastic cover the tie rod passes through first to get better access.

I used a stock type clamp, but it was hard to tighten using side cutters, I got it, but I'd bet you could use a screw type if you had a 1/4" socket to tighten it with.

Etka says the drivers side is a 67mm clamp, 7mm wide, and the passengers side is 59mm, 7mm wide.




Just for reference, the entire tie-rod is 4d0419801q for $135.61 including the end, and just the end 4d0419811j is $110.11



It's easy to access the end when the wheel is all the way to one side, support the rack with another crescent wrench when loosening the end. Cleanliness is very important here, watch out for any grit and make sure you keep everything spotless until the boot is back on. I used the audi rack grease on both ends of the boot to help seal things.

lemieux@curbside

i was going to use a cutter to squize it back together ..i saw that plastic cover that comes out and gives a bit more room..
i already have all the parts (from ecs) 2 heavy duty ends and 1 inner rod .
i will probably do it next weekend.
Thanks a lot Nick !