Table of contents: Safety instructions for removing and… ↓ General remarks ↓
The force applied to the steering wheel is transmitted through the steering column and steering gear, including the steering rods to the front wheels. For ease of use, the steering wheel is adjustable in height by 30 mm and in the longitudinal direction by 48 mm.
The hydraulic power steering reduces the effort required to turn the steering wheel. It consists of a pump, expansion tank and oil lines. The pump is driven by the engine via a poly V-belt. The pump sucks oil from the tank and supplies it under high pressure to the valve located in the steering gear. The valve is mechanically connected to the steering shaft and supplies oil depending on the steering wheel turn to the corresponding side of the working cylinder. The oil presses on the piston of the toothed rack and thereby maintains the movement of the steering wheel. At the same time, the piston pushes oil from the other side of the working cylinder through the return line back to the tank.
The steering wheel contains an AIRBAG airbag for the driver. The airbag is a folded air bag that inflates in the event of a frontal collision and protects the driver's upper body and head from impact with the steering wheel. In the event of a severe frontal impact, a control device in the AIRBAG unit ignites a small explosive charge, and the gases from the explosion fill the airbag within a few milliseconds. This time is enough to soften the impact of the driver's upper body being thrown forward. Then, within a few seconds, the AIRBAG bag deflates again, as the gases are released through the outlet openings.
In addition to the driver's AIRBAG system, there is an airbag for the front passenger as well as side airbags. If a rear-facing child seat is installed on the front seat, the AIRBAG system for the front passenger must be deactivated. This work may only be carried out by an AUDI workshop.
If side airbags are present, only special seat back covers recommended by AUDI must be used.
Attention. It is strictly forbidden to carry out welding and straightening work on the steering system parts. When installing, it is necessary to use new self-locking nuts.
Safety instructions for removing and installing the airbag
Before removing the airbag, perform the following steps:
- turn off the ignition and remove the cable from the negative terminal of the battery;
- insulate the wire connected to the negative battery terminal to avoid accidental connection of the wire;
- after connecting the airbag wires, before connecting the wire to the negative terminal of the battery, turn the ignition key to the "ignition on" position.
Attention: If the above instructions are not followed, the AIRBAG system may fail during further operation.
General remarks
The airbag must be transported with the soft upholstery side facing upwards.
Do not connect the battery terminals when there are people in the vehicle.
Do not leave the airbag unattended during breaks in operation.
The airbag must not be disassembled and must be replaced completely if it is found to be defective. Since the airbag contains explosives, it must be kept locked or under appropriate supervision.
The airbag may only be checked by specialized workshops. Do not check the airbag with a test lamp, voltmeter or ohmmeter.
Avoid contact of the airbag with solvents or cleaning agents.
An airbag that has fallen onto a hard surface must not be installed on a vehicle.
Do not expose the airbag to temperatures above 100°C, even for short periods.