Steering: Maintenance Audi A6 C5 facelift

Fluid, when cold

1. Remove cap.
2. Clean off dip stick with a clean rag.
3. Tighten cap by hand and remove again. NOTE: Fluid level is only valid if cap has been screwed on.
4. Check oil level: Fluid level must be near -MIN- marking (up to 2 mm above or below marking).

Scheme 10

Fluid, at operating temperature (from approx. 50°C)

1. Check oil level: Fluid level must be between "MIN" and "MAX" markings.

Note. If fluid level is above specified range, oil must be drained. If fluid level is below specified range, hydraulic system must be checked for leaks. It is not enough to simply top off with fluid. Do not reuse fluid you have drained.

On completion of steering system repair work, system is to be bled in different ways depending on extent of repair work.

1. Check hydraulic fluid level and top off, if necessary.
2. Raise vehicle enough that front wheels turn without resistance.
3. Start engine briefly (max. 2 s). Steering wheel must not be turned, pump must not draw in air. Waiting time between individual engine starts approx. 30 seconds.
4. Check hydraulic fluid level and top off, if necessary.
5. Keep repeating this procedure until fluid level remains constant.
6. Turn steering wheel 10 times from end position to end position.
7. Check hydraulic fluid level and top off, if necessary.
8. Start engine.
9. Turn steering wheel 10 times from end position to end position.
10. Check hydraulic fluid level and top off, if necessary. Residual air trapped in the steering system will dissipate on its own during driving operation after approx. 10 to 20 km.

1. Check hydraulic fluid level and top off, if necessary.
2. Start engine briefly (max. 2 s). Steering wheel must not be turned, pump must not draw in air. Waiting time between individual engine starts approx. 30 seconds.
3. Check hydraulic fluid level and top off, if necessary.
4. Keep repeating this procedure until fluid level remains constant.
5. Start engine and let it run for 2 - 3 minutes; do not turn steering wheel. Residual air trapped in the steering system will dissipate on its own during driving operation after approx. 10 to 20 km.

1. Start engine.
2. Turn steering wheel to stop in both directions and hold briefly.

This builds up the largest possible pressure.

Note. To avoid damage to the pump, do not allow the engine to run more than 10 seconds during the test.

In this position, the following components must be checked for leaks

1. Seal for steering pinion at valve housing of steering gear.
2. All wire connections
3. Rack seals

Note. This test can only be performed if hose clamps for boots are easily accessible.

1. Open hose clamps for boot.
2. Slide back boot.

If fluid is visible in steering gear housing and/or in boots, steering gear must be replaced.

The steering column is only available as a complete unit for a replacement part. Servicing is not possible.

Steering lock housing can be modified.

The following list pertains to see scheme 160.

1. Shear bolt, 20 Nm
2. Steering column
3. Ignition/starter switch Different versions See Parts Catalog
4. Bolt, 22 Nm
5. Secure for transport
6. Control module for steering column-belt height adjustment -J352- No self-diagnosis capability NOTE: Sliding splining between upper and lower steering column must not be separated under any circumstances. Sliding over a range in excess of +/- 5 cm can lead to damage of the steering column.
7. Tolerance adjusting screw Tightening torque: 22 Nm Provided with electrically adjustable steering column All 4 bolts for attaching steering column to cross member must have been tightened to torque, before tightening tolerance adjusting screw Do not apply force to steering column or steering wheel while tightening tolerance adjusting screw

An electrically adjustable steering column is available as an option.

The control module for steering column-belt height adjustment -J352- has no self-diagnosis capability.

In the event of problems, use wiring diagram to perform fault-finding.