AUDI cars are equipped with hydraulic power steering. The power steering allows the driver to perform all actions related to driving the car, while applying less effort. The power steering consists of an oil pump, an expansion tank and hydraulic fluid (oil) circulation hoses. The pump takes hydraulic fluid from the expansion tank and pumps it to the valve stem. The valve stem is located in the steering mechanism. It is mechanically connected to the steering column and, depending on the direction of rotation of the steering wheel, directs the hydraulic fluid to the corresponding part of the working cylinder. There, the oil presses on the piston of the toothed rack and thus supports the driver's effort applied to the steering wheel (see illustration 8.0).
The driver's airbag is mounted on the steering wheel. The airbag is a folded bag that instantly fills with air during a frontal collision, protecting the driver's torso and head from striking the steering wheel. If the impact is strong enough, the airbag control unit ignites a small explosive charge and the gases produced by the charge's detonation fill the airbag within a few milliseconds. This is enough time to soften the impact with the steering wheel. Then, within a few seconds, the airbag collapses as the gases are released through the outlet holes.
Attention! Welding and straightening work on steering components is prohibited. When carrying out repair work, always replace the self-locking nuts with new ones.