Checking the steering gear cuffs (Audi A4 B5)

At the rear lower part of the engine compartment is the steering gear, the toothed rack of which is protected at both ends by black synthetic cuffs. They need to be checked regularly. A cracked cuff fold allows moisture and dust to pass into the steering gear, and this mixture, combined with grease, forms a kind of abrasive paste that severely damages the toothed rack guide and steering gear. Timely inspection will save money:

Execution order

1. Stretch the fold with your hands or turn the steering wheel to the right to find cracks in the cuff.

2. Are both hose clamps securely seated at the ends of the cuff?.

3. Replace the defective cuff immediately.