Steering: Overview Audi Q7 4L facelift

After steering system reconstruction, system must be bled differently depending on the extent of reconstruction.

Bleed after reinstalling steering system or replacing steering gear

Fill the reservoir completely.

Lift the vehicle just enough so that all the wheels are off the ground.

1. Engine turned off

Turn steering wheel from lock to lock 10 times, with engine turned off.

Fill the reservoir completely.

Briefly start engine (max. 2 seconds).

Pump must not draw in any air. Steering wheel must not be turned under any circumstances.

Approximately 30 seconds wait between individual engine starts.

Inspect hydraulic oil level and fill as needed.

Repeat this process until oil level remains constant.

Turn steering wheel from lock to lock 10 times, with engine turned off.

Inspect hydraulic oil level and fill as needed.

Turn steering wheel 10 times from stop to stop.

Turn off engine and wait 2 - 3 minutes until foam on hydraulic oil in reservoir has dissipated.

Inspect hydraulic oil level and fill as needed.

Any remaining air in the steering system will dissipate by itself when driving over the next 10 to 20 km.

Bleed after reinstalling a component of the steering system except the steering gear (pump, hoses, etc.)

Inspect hydraulic oil level and fill as needed.

Briefly start engine (max. 2 seconds).

Pump must not draw in any air and steering wheel must not be turned under any circumstances.

Approximately 30 seconds wait between individual engine starts.

Inspect hydraulic oil level and fill as needed.

Repeat this process until oil level remains constant.

Start the engine and allow it to run for 2-3 minutes. Do not turn the steering wheel.

Turn engine off, check hydraulic oil level and fill if necessary.

Any remaining air in the steering system will dissipate by itself when driving over the next 10 to 20 km.

Do not run engine and turn front wheels to straight ahead position.

Fluid in Cold Condition

Remove the cap.

Wipe dipstick off with a clean cloth.

Screw cap on hand-tight and unscrew again.

Note. The cap must be fully screwed in order to obtain an accurate fluid level reading.

Check fluid level: Level must be around "MIN" mark (up to 2 mm above or below mark).

Scheme 28

Fluid at Operating Temperature (from approximately 50 °C (122 °F))

Check fluid level: Level must be between "MIN" and "MAX" mark.

Note. Fluid must be drawn off if the level is above the specified range. If oil level is below the aforementioned area, then the hydraulic system must be checked for leaks. It is not enough to just add fluid. Do not use drained hydraulic oil.

Scheme 29

1. Airbag Spiral Spring/Return Spring With Slip Ring -F138- Removing and installing, refer to «[For engine(s) CATA, BHK, CJWC, CJWB, BAR] Removal and Installation»(ref-491789-S27438983732012073100000) .
2. Airbag Steering Wheel Removing and installing, refer to «STEERING WHEEL WITH AIRBAG»(ref-491696-S13578709842012073100000) . various versions
3. Bolt 50 Nm Always replace if removed Removing and installing, refer to «STEERING WHEEL WITH AIRBAG»(ref-491696-S13578709842012073100000) .
4. Harness Connector For airbag spiral spring/return spring with slip ring -- Replacing, refer to «Removal and Installation»(ref-491782-S01785517522012073100000) .
5. Airbag Unit With driver's airbag igniter -N95- and driver's airbag igniter 2 -N250- WARNING: Follow safety precautions when working on airbag. Refer to «General Safety Precautions»(ref-491782-S33562547132012073100000) . Removing and installing, refer to «Removal and Installation»(ref-491782-S01785517522012073100000) .
6. Sealing Cap Quantity: 2 For the airbag unit securing bolt

Scheme 30

1. Lateral Control Arm for Steering Column
2. Self-Locking Nut 20 Nm Always replace if removed Follow tightening sequence (Scheme 31)
3. Bolt
4. Steering Column Can only be replaced as a unit Removing and installing, refer to «STEERING COLUMN»(ref-491696-S27785555822012073100000).
5. Bolt 20 Nm Follow tightening sequence (Scheme 31)
6. Handle
7. Bolt 4.5 Nm
8. Power Steering Gear
9. Bolt 35 Nm + 90° turn Always replace if removed
10. Protective Boot Removing and installing, refer to «PROTECTIVE BOOT»(ref-491696-S29831878642012073100000)
11. Nut 4 Nm Always replace if removed Self-locking

Scheme 31

Tighten bolts -1- to -4- to specified tightening in sequence shown.

Then tighten nut -5- to specified torque.

Correct Handling and Transport of Steering Column

Scheme 32

1. Transport steering column with two hands
2. Hold steering column at upper steering rod tube and in area of upper universal joint

Incorrect Handling of Steering Column

Scheme 33

Transporting at the following components leads to pre-damage to steering column

1. Clamping lever
2. Weight compensation springs
3. Deformation element

Damage to universal joint bushings on lower steering column bushing due to

Scheme 34

1. Holding and carrying the steering column with a hand on the connecting shaft
2. Bending joints more than 90°

Power steering gear is completely removed and installed with tie rods.

Scheme 35

1. Bolt 10 Nm
2. Heat Shield For boot
3. Heat Shield For steering column universal joint
4. Steering Column
5. Bolt 35 Nm + 90° turn Always replace if removed
6. Power Steering Gear Depending on wheel size, steering gear with different steering arm is installed. Steering arm can be measured in "Guided Fault Finding" with vehicle diagnostic tester. Steering arm, measuring mechanically, refer to «STEERING ARM, MEASURING MECHANICALLY»(ref-491696-S22297004332012073100000) Removing and installing, refer to «POWER STEERING GEAR»(ref-491696-S38821509652012073100000) . with Servotronic Solenoid Valve -N119- Servotronic solenoid valve, removing and installing, refer to «Servotronic Solenoid Valve -N119»(ref-491696-S00742808332012073100000)
7. Subframe Removing and installing, refer to «SUBFRAME»(ref-491725-S14098697212012073100000)
8. Bolt Always replace if removed
9. Nut 90 Nm + 90° turn Always replace if removed Self-locking
10. Nut 90 Nm Always replace if removed Self-locking
11. Wheel Bearing Housing Tapered holes must be free of oil and grease. If necessary, clean with a dry rag, do not use cleaning solvent. Removing and installing, refer to «WHEEL BEARING HOUSING»(ref-491725-S24073503452012073100000)
12. Pressurized Line
13. Bolt 9 Nm
14. Return Line
15. Union Nut 32 Nm
16. Sealing Ring Always replace

Vane pump is not designed to be serviced. If there are customer complaints, the cause must be determined using a pressure and leak test. If there is a malfunction, replace the vane pump.

Note. If power steering fluid is low in reservoir, check steering system for leaks. If there are leaks in the area of the line connections, the lines/connections must first be inspected for leaks, tightened as necessary and wiped dry. Pump is delivered without oil. Therefore, hydraulic oil must be filled before installation and turned by hand. Otherwise, noises when driving or damage to pump may occur.

Scheme 36

1. Power Steering Gear
2. Power Steering Pump Fill with hydraulic oil before installation Removing and installing, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP»(ref-491696-S17799293762012073100000) . Checking delivery pressure, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP DELIVERY PRESSURE, CHECKING»(ref-491696-S35360543032012073100000)
3. Spring Clamp Remove and install with Spring Type Clip Pliers VAS 5024 A
4. Intake Hose Note location on reservoir, refer to «LINES AND HOSES, OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S33679447992012073100000) Note power steering pump location, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP»(ref-491696-S17799293762012073100000)
5. Bolt Tightening specification, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP»(ref-491696-S17799293762012073100000)
6. Seal Always replace.
7. Banjo Bolt 35 Nm
8. Pressurized Line Tighten the union nut to 32 Nm. Note power steering pump location, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP»(ref-491696-S17799293762012073100000) Secure to body «LINES AND HOSES, OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S33679447992012073100000)
9. Return Hose Note location on reservoir and hydraulic oil cooler, refer tor «LINES AND HOSES, OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S33679447992012073100000) Secure, refer to «LINES AND HOSES, OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S33679447992012073100000)
10. Bolt 8 Nm
11. Cap with Dip Stick Check hydraulic fluid level, refer to «POWER STEERING, CHECKING HYDRAULIC OIL LEVEL»(ref-491696-S17243492852012073100000)
12. Reservoir
13. Bolt 9 Nm
14. Nut 9 Nm
15. Bracket For reservoir
16. Bolt 9 Nm
17. Return Line Tighten the union nut to 32 Nm. Note location on hydraulic oil cooler, refer to «LINES AND HOSES, OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S33679447992012073100000) Secure, refer to «LINES AND HOSES, OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S33679447992012073100000)
18. Clip
19. Bolt 9 Nm
20. Bracket With washer and rivet For hydraulic oil cooler on condenser Clip lines from hydraulic oil cooler in bracket
21. Bracket With washer and rivet For hydraulic oil cooler on condenser Insert hydraulic oil cooler in bracket
22. Hydraulic Oil Cooler Removing and Installing, refer to «HYDRAULIC FLUID COOLER»(ref-491696-S18291321962012073100000) .
23. Wiring Bracket
24. Sealing Ring Always replace.

Scheme 37

1. Location of hoses on reservoir and reservoir bracket to body (Scheme 38)
2. Return hose and intake hose clip (Scheme 39)
3. Return hose support to body bracket (Scheme 40)
4. Return line clip to refrigerant line (Scheme 39)
5. Hoses to hydraulic oil cooler (Scheme 41)
6. Return line bracket to subframe (Scheme 42)
7. Return line to coolant hoses (Scheme 42)

Scheme 38

Position reservoir -2- on bracket -1- when installing.

Tighten the reservoir -2- using bolts -8- to 8 Nm.

Markings -5- on intake hose -6- and return hose -7- must align with bars -3-. Secure intake hose -6- and return hose -7- with spring clips -4-.

Scheme 39

Secure return hose -1- with clip -2- on intake hose -3-.

Secure return hose -1- with clip -4- on refrigerant line -5-.

Scheme 40

Before installing return hose, lightly coat conical surface -arrow- on support -1- with hydraulic oil.

Press support -1- into bracket -2-. The conical surface -arrow- on the support -1- must engage completely in the bracket -2-.

Scheme 41

Attach return line -4- to line -1- and return hose -6- to line -7-.

Markings -5- on return line -4- and return hose -6- must align with markings -2-. Secure return line -4- and return hose -6- with hose clamps -3-.

Scheme 42

Secure return line -3- with line brackets -1- to subframe -2-.

Secure return line -3- with bracket -5- to coolant hoses -4-.

Vane pump is not designed to be serviced. If there are customer complaints, the cause must be determined using a pressure and leak test. If there is a malfunction, replace the vane pump.

Note. If the power steering fluid is low in the reservoir, check the steering system for leaks. If there are leaks in the area of the line connections, the lines/connections must first be inspected for leaks, tightened as necessary and wiped dry. Pump is delivered without oil. Therefore, hydraulic oil must be filled before installation and turned by hand. Otherwise, noises when driving or damage to pump may occur.

Scheme 43

1. Power Steering Gear
2. Wiring Bracket
3. Clamp
4. Bolt 9 Nm
5. Intake Hose Note location on reservoir (Scheme 46)Installed position on the power steering pump on a V6 TDI engine, generation I without SCR see scheme 114Installed position on the power steering pump on a V6 TDI engine, generation I with SCR and on a V6 TDI engine, generation II, refer to item 12 Secure to body, refer to «LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S15117259322012073100000)
6. Spring Clamp Remove and install with spring type clip pliers VAS 5024 A
7. Power Steering Pump Fill with hydraulic oil before installation Removing and installing, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP»(ref-491696-S25692324602012073100000). Check the delivery pressure, V6 TDI, generation I without SCR, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP DELIVERY PRESSURE, V6 TDI, GENERATION I WITHOUT SCR, CHECKING»(ref-491696-S11775175942012073100000)
8. Bolt Tightening specification, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP»(ref-491696-S25692324602012073100000)
9. Seal Always replace.
10. Banjo Bolt 35 Nm
11. Bracket
12. Bolt M6: 9 Nm M8: 22 Nm
13. Power Steering Pump Fill with hydraulic oil before installation Check the delivery pressure on a V6 TDI engine, generation I with SCR and on a V6 TDI engine, generation II, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP DELIVERY PRESSURE, V6 TDI, GENERATION I WITH SCR AND V6 TDI, GENERATION II, CHECKING»(ref-491696-S11618366332012073100000) Removing and Installing, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP»(ref-491696-S25692324602012073100000).
14. Bolt 9 Nm
15. Pressurized Line Installed on a V6 TDI engine, generation I with SCR and on a V6 TDI engine, generation II Insert completely when installing
16. O-ring Always replace.
17. Pressurized Line Installed V6 TDI, generation I without SCR Tighten the union nut to 32 Nm. Note power steering pump location see scheme 114Secure to body «LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S15117259322012073100000)
18. Bracket
19. Wiring Bracket
20. Bolt 9 Nm
21. Bolt 8 Nm
22. Bracket
23. Return Line From the hydraulic oil cooler to the reservoir
24. Cap with Dip Stick Check hydraulic fluid level, refer to «POWER STEERING, CHECKING HYDRAULIC OIL LEVEL»(ref-491696-S17243492852012073100000).
25. Reservoir
26. Bracket For reservoir
27. Pressurized Line Tighten the union nut to 32 Nm. Secure to body, refer to «LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S15117259322012073100000)
28. Bolt 9 Nm
29. Return Line Tighten the union nut to 32 Nm. Note location on hydraulic oil cooler, refer to «LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S15117259322012073100000) Secure, refer to «LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S15117259322012073100000)
30. Clip
31. Clamp Always replace. Close using hose clamp pliers V.A.G 1275.
32. Bolt 9 Nm
33. Bracket With washer and rivet For hydraulic oil cooler on condenser Clip lines from hydraulic oil cooler in bracket
34. Bracket With washer and rivet For hydraulic oil cooler on condenser Insert hydraulic oil cooler in bracket
35. Hydraulic Oil Cooler Removing and installing, refer to «HYDRAULIC FLUID COOLER»(ref-491696-S18291321962012073100000).
36. Wiring Bracket
37. O-ring Always replace.

Scheme 44

1. Pressure line bracket to engine (Scheme 45)
2. Return hose to line bracket (Scheme 45)
3. Location of hoses on reservoir and reservoir bracket to body (Scheme 46)
4. Return hose clip to coolant hose (Scheme 47)
5. Return hose line bracket to body bracket (Scheme 47)
6. Return hose clips to refrigerant line (Scheme 48)
7. Hoses to hydraulic oil cooler see scheme 23
8. Return line bracket to subframe see scheme 24
9. Return line to coolant hoses see scheme 24

Scheme 45

Secure pressure line -1- with bracket -3- to transport eye -2-. Tighten the bolt -4- to 9 Nm (M6) or 22 Nm (M8).

Secure return hose -5- with line bracket -6- in bracket -8-. Secure the bracket -8- on the bracket -9- and tighten the bolt -7- to 9 Nm.

Scheme 46

Position reservoir -4- on bracket -3- when installing.

Tighten the bracket -2- with the bolts -1- to 8 Nm.

Markings -7- on suction and return hose -8- must align with webs -5-. Secure suction and return line -8- with spring-type hose clamps -6-.

Scheme 47

Secure return hose -1- with clip -2- to coolant hose -3-.

Secure return hose -1- with wiring bracket -4- to body bracket -5-.

Scheme 48

Secure return hose -1- with clips -2- and -4- to refrigerant line -3-.

Attach return line -4- to line -1- and return hose -6- to line -7-.

Markings -5- on return line -4- and return hose -6- must align with markings -2-. Secure return line -4- and return hose -6- with hose clamps -3-.

Secure return line -3- with line brackets -1- to subframe -2-.

Secure return line -3- with bracket -5- to coolant hoses -4-.

Vane pump is not designed to be serviced. If there are customer complaints, the cause must be determined using a pressure and leak test. If there is a malfunction, replace the vane pump.

Note. If power steering fluid is low in reservoir, check steering system for leaks. If there are leaks in the area of the line connections, the lines/connections must first be inspected for leaks, tightened as necessary and wiped dry. Pump is delivered without oil. Therefore, hydraulic oil must be filled before installation and turned by hand. Otherwise, noises when driving or damage to pump may occur.

Scheme 49

1. Power Steering Gear
2. Pressurized Line Tighten the union nut to 32 Nm. Note power steering pump location see scheme 134
3. Wiring Bracket
4. Seal Always replace
5. Power Steering Pump Fill with hydraulic oil before installation Removing and installing, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP»(ref-491696-S32501841122012073100000). Checking delivery pressure, refer to «POWER STEERING PUMP DELIVERY PRESSURE, CHECKING»(ref-491696-S33080356112012073100000)
6. Bolt 22 Nm
7. Nut 9 Nm
8. Suction Line Note location on reservoir, refer to «LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S14651601612012073100000) Secure to coolant pipe, refer to «LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S14651601612012073100000)
9. Bracket
10. Wiring Bracket
11. Bolt 9 Nm
12. Bolt 8 Nm
13. Bracket
14. Spring Clamp Remove and install with Spring Type Clip Pliers VAS 5024 A
15. Cap with Dip Stick Check hydraulic fluid level, refer to «POWER STEERING, CHECKING HYDRAULIC OIL LEVEL»(ref-491696-S17243492852012073100000).
16. Reservoir
17. Bracket For reservoir
18. Wiring bracket With expanding rivet Quantity: 2
19. Return Line Note location on reservoir and hydraulic oil cooler, refer to «LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S14651601612012073100000) Secure, refer to «LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S14651601612012073100000)
20. Clip
21. Sealing Ring Always replace
22. Return Line Tighten the union nut to 32 Nm. Note location on hydraulic oil cooler, refer to «LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S14651601612012073100000) Secure, refer to «LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW»(ref-491696-S14651601612012073100000)
23. Wiring Bracket Installed inside the subframe
24. Bolt 9 Nm
25. Bracket With washer and rivet For hydraulic oil cooler on condenser Clip lines from hydraulic oil cooler in bracket
26. Bracket With washer and rivet For hydraulic oil cooler on condenser Insert hydraulic oil cooler in bracket
27. Hydraulic Oil Cooler Removing and installing, refer to «HYDRAULIC FLUID COOLER»(ref-491696-S18291321962012073100000).
28. Cable Tie with Clip Replace the cable tie and install it at the same location.
29. Banjo Bolt 35 Nm
30. Bolt 9 Nm
31. Clamp
32. Bolt 9 Nm

LINES AND HOSES OVERVIEW

1. Intake line bracket to coolant pipe (Scheme 50)
2. Location of hoses on reservoir and reservoir bracket to body see scheme 28
3. Return line bracket to body (Scheme 50)
4. Return line clip to refrigerant line (Scheme 51)
5. Return line to refrigerant line bracket (Scheme 51)
6. Return line clip to coolant line (Scheme 51)
7. Hoses to hydraulic oil cooler see scheme 30
8. Return line bracket to subframe see scheme 31
9. Return line to coolant hoses see scheme 31

Scheme 50

Secure suction line -1- on coolant pipe -3-. Tighten nut -2- to 9 Nm.

Secure return line -5- with line brackets -4- to body.

Position reservoir -4- on bracket -3- when installing.

Tighten the bracket -2- with the bolts -1- to 8 Nm.

Markings -7- on suction and return hose -8- must align with webs -5-. Secure suction hose and return line -8- with hose clamps -6-.

Scheme 51

Secure return line -1- with clip -2- two times on refrigerant line -3-.

Secure return line -1- with line bracket -4- to refrigerant line bracket -5-.

Attach return line -4- to line -1- and return hose -6- to line -7-.

Markings -5- on return line -4- and return hose -6- must align with markings -2-. Secure return line -4- and return hose -6- with hose clamps -3-.

Secure return line -3- with line brackets -1- to subframe -2-.

Secure return line -3- with bracket -5- to coolant hoses -4-.