Checking the dust caps and clearance in the tie rod ends (Audi A4 B5)

The ball joints at the outer end of the tie rods are made of steel ball joints, which are lightly greased and housed in synthetic shells and are maintenance-free. The joints are protected from dust and moisture by rubber caps, the condition of which should be checked more frequently:

Execution order

1. Check the entire surface of the dust seals for cracks.

2. Tie rod ends with torn seals are considered defective – replace them.

3. You can check for clearance in the joints on a raised vehicle by rocking the wheel relative to its vertical axis or by rocking the transverse steering rod itself.

4. Another option: have your assistant turn the steering wheel left and right in the car on the ground, and feel with your hand if there is any play in the joint.

5. Immediately replace the tie rods with clearance!

6. In the same way, check whether there is a gap in the inner joints of the transverse steering rod, which are screwed directly to the steering rack.

7. If the inner joint is defective, then, unfortunately, the entire tie rod needs to be replaced.

The original version is on the portal: AUDImanual.ru