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Steering Rack
Just completed the job. Yes!!!!!!!!! I am surprised it is not that bad. I did some research, and it looks like a big PITA. Compared to other models, I think the A8 is simpler.
If you can remove and replace the inner and outer tie rods, you can definitely do the steering rack.
One Caveat. To do the job the job, you need a 75 degree offset spanner with an ext. tool for the 3 main bolts. It is not so much the degrees. The 75 has a slight longer longer neck than the 45. It is just long enough to swing underneath the rack.
This is what I don't get with Audi, The mention a special tool to torque the main bolts (From the image it looks like a special 75 degree offset), they stop short of informing you how much easier the job will be using the offset spanner to remove the 3 12 point bolts.
If there is some interest, let me know so I can post some pictures and procedures to save you some time, if you intend to do the job.
FYI - the youtube video of the steering rack replacement of the A8. It is not the D3. The tough part of this job is the removal of the 3 main bolts and video does not give you any info on how to remove these bolts.
Good tips. I find it useful to google the tool numbers the shop manual references for the job. In this instance it’s a VAG T40037. Which is a 18mm offset 12pt wrench insert, as you came to find out.
Last edited by dvs_dave; Dec 18, 2024 at 02:02 PM.
pictures wrench size and actual main bolt height of offset relative to bolt. Note bolt is at an angle opposite of steering column with wrench attached to main bolt to be removed
I did not detach the pinch bolt of the upper control arms. This procedure is for people with more advanced knowledge and experience with automotive repair.
After removing the inner and outer Tie Rod.
-Disconnect pressure and return line of the steering rack
-Disconnect Left and Right pressure lines. This is just one torx screw. (This is to access the rear main bolt on the driver side.) You now have access to the 3 Main bolts of the rack
-With an offset wrench (18mm 75 deg) and ext bar crack the bolts loose .
-after a few turns, I noticed that it is easier to use your fingers to remove the bolts.
-loosen all bolts and remove driver side bolts, keep the main bolt on the passenger side for now)
Rubber boot/cover of steering rack
-pry the rubber boot off the rack, the bolt you left attached should help you separate the rack from the rubber cover.
Steering column and locking bolt
-after separating the rubber cover from the rack the steering column lock bolt is easily accessible.
-Loosen triple square bolt.
-swing the steering column as close to the chassis… Secure steering column (important)
-Pry the steering column from the rack.
Remove the main bolt on the passenger side.
With an assistant maneuver the steering rack out of the car via the driver side.
For those of you with an S8 I am in the middle of this and at least I had to drop the sub frame in order to get the steering column out. It would not pass through the middle of the engine no matter how much I twisted, turned, or lifted. Once the subframe was dropped it still took some effort but it did come out.
Additional steps I had to take.
Remover shocks to let suspension and sub frame fully drop
drop front and read subframe about 1.5 inches. Left all bolts installed to hold the weight, although the rear won't fully drop due to the transmission.
Then the steering will come out.
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Steering Rack
