AUDI A6 steering rack removal

[micheal balbrig]

1999 Audi A6 1.9TDI AFN Automatic gearbox.
Anyone ever change one of these (steering racks)or confirm if subframe has to be dropped etc.

Thanks
Michael

[ametlib]

Can only answer for cars with the steering wheel to the left, no need to drop the sub frame then. Problem is one screw you have to acces from underneath, its a really pain in the a%"& to get to.
Have replaced a few racks, and I can't recall to ever to have seen a faulty ZF rack, Koyo however ...

[micheal balbrig]

Thanks for the reply
A quick check on a rainy day showed lots of fluid in rubber gator. Fluid oozed out when squeezing bellows.
The reservoir needed topping up at times so i expect seals are leaking.
Car is due for test soon, so if it fails it is then decision time so all tips are helpful.
Reading some forum replies,it seems like it is a very tedious job.

Thanks again
Michael

[micheal balbrig]

The third bolt can be replaced by fitting the first two bolts loosely, (allowing rack to rock)
I used a 1/4 extension and socket to enter third bolt (not too difficult) Tighten with 3/8 extension
The 19 and 22mm banjo bolts can be loosened with ring spanner, shallow or no crank.
Small hands are helpful while removing and replacing banjo bolts. It also helps to attach pipe bracket to ram loosely (banjo bolts line up easier for refitting)
It helps to remove metal shield that is under ram, and also one on driveshaft.

This is one job that would be a lot easier with an assistant, to twist or pull pipes,or move rack to assist bolt entry e.t.c.