Sometime this week im going to change the steering rack on my 80Q. I plan on doing it myself and as I havent done one before just wanted to see if there was anyone who has experiance in changing one and could give me some hints to make it a less painful project.

 

Try asking that here:
Audi Sport Net
It's mostly UK guys, but there are a lot of guys with older models there.

 

Any reason why you are changing the rack?

 

One of the two bolts on top of the rack broke off. Steering is pretty loose. Also it leaks a bit, and i aquired a complete parts car that has a 1 1/2 year old steering rack. So instead of trying to drill out the bolt and seal up the leaks im just going to change it out, i figure it would be the best option. BTW anyone know a good place to get the correct steering fluid. other than the audi dealership?

 

audiquattroparts.com is a good start, local, you will have to look for a place that specializes only in foreign car parts and one that specializes in European models. Pentosin is very common on many Euro models. I have bought Antifreeze from VW/Audi and price wasn’t that much different I suspect that the same holds true for Pentosin.

 

I replaced that on my "86 5000S. Hardest part was putting the steering wheel shaft back on the steering sector. I had my grandson do it as you have to be a contortionist to lay on the floor and get everything lined up. if I remember though the shaft and coupler have flats on them for correct alignment. The assy. comes right out the wheel well on the drivers side per the Haynes manual. Good luck.. Lee

 

I have one bolt holding the damn steering rack in place. Lee, or anyone else that has changed the rack in a similar car. Do you remember what kind of wrench you used to get at the bottom bolt that holds the steering rack to the fire wall. The top one is a piece of cake, but the botton one is hidden under the rack, and neither wrench or ratchet have been any use. Let me know if anyone has any ideas of what i can use. i can prolly get a pic of it if it would help