Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.6, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.8, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.8 T, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.9 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.9 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.8 T quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.8 T quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.8 T, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.9 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.6, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.9 TDI quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.9 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) S3 quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) S3 quattro … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

Alternative products

Track rod end

Replacement: track rod end – AUDI A3 (8L1). List of the tools you'll need:

                      Wire brush
                    
                      WD-40 spray
                    
                      Brake cleaner
                    
                      Ceramic grease
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      Combination spanner #19
                    
                      Combination spanner #22
                    
                      Drive socket # 18
                    
                      Drive socket # 19
                    
                      Wheel impact socket #17
                    
                      Ball joint puller
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Tap wrench
                    
                      Vernier caliper
                    
                      Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: track rod end – AUDI A3 (8L1). AUTODOC recommends:

Replace tie rod ends in pairs.
The replacement procedure is identical for the right and left tie rod ends.
Warning! Shut down the engine before starting any work – AUDI A3 (8L1).

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Secure the wheels with chocks.

Step 2

Loosen the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a tap wrench.
Step 3

Raise the car.

Replacement: track rod end – AUDI A3 (8L1). Tip:
If you are using a jack, make sure it rests on a flat surface without any unevenness.Be sure to additionally secure the car with jack stands.
Step 4

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. AUDI A3 (8L1)
Step 5

Remove the wheel.
Step 6

When deinstalling, mark or measure the precise position of the ball joint on the track rod, or count the number of turns in order to prevent misalignment afterward. Use a vernier caliper.
Step 7

Clean all tie rod end connections. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 8

Loosen the lock nut securing the tie rod end to the tie rod. Use a combination spanner #19. Use a combination spanner #22.
Step 9

Unscrew the fastening nut connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 10

Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint puller.
Step 11

Unscrew the tie rod end from the tie rod.
Step 12

Clean the mounting seats of the tie rod end. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 13

Screw on a new tie rod end.

Replacement: track rod end – AUDI A3 (8L1). Tip from AUTODOC:
While installing the steering rod end remember to make the same number of turns or to leave the same length of thread showing as per your measurements.
Step 14

Connect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
Step 15

Set the tie rod end to the correct position and secure it with the lock nut. Use a vernier caliper. Use a combination spanner #19. Use a combination spanner #22.
Step 16

Screw on the fastening nut that connects the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #19. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 17

Tighten the fastening nut connecting the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #19. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 45 Nm torque.
Step 18

Tighten the tie rod end locknut. Use a combination spanner #19. Use a combination spanner #22. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 50 Nm torque.
Step 19

Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush.
Step 20

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use ceramic grease.
Step 21

Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.
Step 22

Install the wheel.

AUTODOC recommends:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 23

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 24

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 120 Nm torque.
Step 25

Remove the jacks and chocks.

Replacement: track rod end – AUDI A3 (8L1). Professionals recommend:
After replacing the component, it is advisable to realign the wheels using a wheel aligner.

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