Note: Damage to the bellows will allow moisture and dirt to enter the steering box. There must be a film of lubricant that can be felt on the rack teeth. If there is no lubrication, the steering gear must be replaced. The steering mechanism is also replaced in case of corrosion, damage or wear of the gear rack.
Set wheels to straight. Remove wheel. Clean the steering gear in the areas of the bellows. At the same time, dirt should not get inside the steering mechanism through a damaged corrugated cover. Mark the position of the nut -3- on the rod. While holding the tie rod end -2- against turning, loosen the lock nut -3-. Remove spring clip -1- from bellows with clip pliers -VAG 1275- and push onto tie rod. Remove the clamp from the side of the steering rack and pull the corrugated cover from the steering gear housing. Unscrew the tie rod from the steering end. Remove spring clip and boot from tie rod.
Note: If there are visible signs of corrosion, damage, wear or contamination of the toothed rack, the complete steering gear is replaced. In the absence of a visible film of lubrication on the rack, the steering gear is also replaced as an assembly.
Installing the bellows
Carefully! The gear rack does not need to be lubricated.
Set wheels straight ahead. To put on steering draft a collar, a cover and a spring collar. Screw the rod into the tip to the previously marked mark. While holding the tie rod end -2- against turning, tighten the lock nut -3- with a torque wrench. Lubricate the contact point of the bellows and the steering rod with grease G 052 168 A1-. Slide bellows -2- over tie rod -1- as shown.
Install the spring clamp -1- on the bellows using pliers, e.g. -VAG 1275-. Lubricate the contact point between the bellows and the steering gear housing with grease -G 052 168 A1 Push the bellows onto the steering gear housing as far as it will go. Use steering pliers -VAS 6199- to crimp new clamp as shown in illustration. Installation in reverse order. After installation, check the wheel alignment. Carry out basic setting of steering angle sender -G85-. Carry out basic steering installation.