Steering: Diagnosis Audi A8 D2 facelift

Visual inspection

1. Check all steering column parts for damage.

Functional test

1. Check that steering column turns easily without jerking.
2. Check that steering column can be adjusted for height and reach.
3. Check gap-dimension A- between slide and mounting bracket. Dimension a; maximum 0.5 mm or smaller
4. If dimension -a- is larger than 0.5mm, the steering column is damaged and must be replaced.

Scheme 4

1. Remove airbag steering wheel and steering column switch. See appropriate Air Bag Restraint Systems article in Restraints. Observe safety precautions for working with airbags See appropriate Air Bag Restraint Systems article in Restraints. WARNING: Before removing the steering wheel the following requirements must be met: Observe the safety precautions Wheels must be in straight-ahead position. If these instructions are not observed it is possible that the airbag system may fail later!
2. Pry off trim at bottom -arrows-.
3. Remove trim -arrows-.
4. Remove bolts -1- (2x).
5. Remove trim -3-.
6. Remove cable ties and plugs on steering column.
7. On vehicles with automatic transmission, disengage locking mechanism at cable for selector lever lock (arrow). Turn ignition key and pull off cable.
8. For electrically adjustable steering column, unplug the connector from the servo motors.

Scheme 5

Securing steering column before removal

The illustration shows a mechanical adjustable steering column

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

1. Pull wire through bore in lower section of steering column -arrow- and spring. An assembly aid is required so that the upper and lower parts of the steering column do not pull apart when pulling off power steering gear. If the upper and lower parts of the steering column are pulled too far apart or pushed too close together the splines separate. It is possible that rattling noises are created later if the splines are not in their original installation position. The steering column can also be secured with a transport device: Safety clip Plastic rod Steering column New steering columns supplied as replacement parts are secured with a transport device. This transport device must be removed after installing the steering column in the vehicle. It is recommended that these parts be kept. They can be used for removing the steering column.
2. Remove nut -1- at universal joint.
3. Turn tensioning bolt in clockwise direction to loosen eccentric and remove bolt. NOTE: Fastener -2- is being phased out, as a result of design improvements.
4. Swing universal joint away downward.
5. On vehicles with automatic transmission, remove retainer (steel wire clip) for cable of selector lever lock.
6. Remove steering column hex socket-head bolts and remove steering column.

When installing, pay special attention to the following

New steering columns supplied as replacement parts are secured with a transport device.

This transport device must be removed after installing the steering column in the vehicle.

1. Safety clip
2. Plastic rod
3. Steering column

It is recommended that these parts be kept. They can be used for removing the steering column.

Aligning steering column with power steering gear pinion so as to be stress-free.

1. Attach steering column to cross member with 4 hex socket head bolts -1-. see scheme 17
2. Slide universal joint onto power steering gear pinion.
3. Insert clamping screw through lower section and pretension in counter-clockwise direction.
4. Install hex nut -2- and tighten to 40 Nm (30 ft lb).
5. Remove wire/transport device between upper and lower parts of steering column.
6. On vehicles with automatic transmission, engage cable for selector lever lock in ignition lock.
7. Attach wiring for servo motors in the case of electrically adjustable steering column.
8. Fasten wiring to steering column with tie band.
9. Install top trim.
10. Install steering column switch and trim for steering column at bottom.
11. Center steering column and bottom steering column trim with respect to trim.
12. Tighten hex socket head bolts of steering column to 20 Nm (15 ft lb).

Only vehicles with electrically adjustable steering column

1. Tighten tolerance adjustment screw. See item 11 in «STEERING COLUMN, ASSEMBLY OVERVIEW»(ref-196877-S13437230822005100900000) .
2. Install driver's side storage compartment. NOTE: Before installing steering wheel, position wheels straight ahead.
3. Install steering wheel and tighten to 40 Nm (30 ft lb) From m.y. 98 with multi-point socket-head bolt Socket head wrench, size 12 Tighten to 55 Nm Always replace bolt.
4. Set steering column switch such that gap between steering wheel and steering column trim is 3-4.5 mm.
5. Install airbag unit. See appropriate Air Bag Restraint Systems article in Restraints. Observe safety precautions for working with airbags See appropriate Air Bag Restraint Systems article in Restraints.