In this guide, you will find instructions on how to change the Audi outer tie rod.

Changing the tie rod on your Audi is easy and requires very few tools. 

Front-wheel alignment is required after you change the Audi tie rod.

To replace the tie rod on your Audi plan on about one to two hours depending on your level of experience.

What you will need

Procedure

Follow these instructions to replace the outer tie rod on your Audi.

  1. Park your Audi on a flat surface. Place the shifter in the park and engage the parking brakes.
  2. Before you raise your Audi you need to break loose the lug nuts. Do not remove them completely. remove tire to replace tie rod on Audi A S Q TT models
  3. Jack up the car and remove the front wheel. Rember to place a wheel chock behind one of the rear wheels. 
  4. Next, jack up the car using a floor jack. Place a jack stand to support the vehicle. 
  5. Locate the out tie rod. Here is a picture of the tie rod on an Audi A4. audi tie rod diy
  6. Remove the cotter pin (split pin) from the tie rod end. This will allow you to remove the castle nut. 1995-2020 Audi model tie rod replacement diy instructions
  7. Remove the castle nut from the steering knuckle of your Audi. If the threads are rusted use a wire brush to clean the threads. Apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak. Counter hold the tie rod end or the castle nut will just sping and refuse to come out.Audi A S Q TT models remove castle nut from tie rod A1 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 Q3 Q5 Q7 TT
  8. Use a wrench to loosen up the bolt that secures the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod. audi tie rod replacement diy
  9. Next, use a marker or chalk to mark the threads at the end of the outer tie rod. This will help with keeping the alignment as close to stock as possible. Mark Audi A S Q TT models tie rod before removal
  10. Use a tie rod puller or separator to disconnect the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Do not use a fork if you plan on reusing the same tie rod because a fork will damage the boot. Remove Audi A S Q TT models tie rod and change it
  11. Remove the old tie rod by turning it counterclockwise several times. The inner tie rod has many threads, so this can take a while. Old tie rod Audi A S Q TT models 1995-2020
  12. Install the new tie rod in reverse order. Torque the castle and jam nut to specification.  Install new tie rod Audi A S Q TT models
  13. Drive to an alignment shop to have the front wheels aligned. 

These are general instructions on how to change the outer tie rod on Audi A1 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 Q3 Q5 Q7 TT.

Symptoms of a bad tie rod

Below are some of the most common symptoms of bad tie rods.

  • Loose steering,
  • Steering wheel shaking when hitting bumps,
  • Steering wheel shaking at highway driving,
  • Excessive steering wheel play,
  • Noise such as clunking or knocking,
  • The car pulls to one side due to an alignment issue,
  • Steering wheel vibrations

Comments

I cannot be really sure about the prices quoted here in Dollars but In Europe, it is quite true that Audi dealership charges more than 300 Euros for this fix. I have personally fixed this myself for less than 50 Euros. So there is a rip-off.. You can find some great parts from Amazon! You really need just 4 things: -WD40 -19mm socket - 19mm wrench -Tie Rod puller If you have never done this before, the above explanations should be enough. By putting in some time and effort it is possible to save hundreds of Dollars/Euros on potential costs.
Contributors
e.peluso
How to Replace Audi Tie Rod In this guide, you will find instructions on how to change the Audi outer tie rod. Changing the tie rod on your Audi is easy and requires very few tools.  Front-wheel alignment is required after you change the Audi tie rod. To replace the tie rod on your Audi plan on about one to two hours depending on your level of experience.