Audi is buying me a new steering rack....how complicated is the install?

[Moose201]

After 2 software updates and an alignment check, my steering still exhibits the occasional center notch. Audi has agreed to install a new rack next week and I'm just curious if this is a fairly straightforward job or if they have to unbolt a lot of other parts (suspension, subframe. etc.).

[B44]

not sure what the job would require but do post the repair job copy to let others know on here what they did.

[audibmi]

I had my steering rack replaced with 8K1-423-055-AC steering module along with 18 various nuts and bolts, but the work order does not indicate actual hours since it was covered under warranty.

I would request a 4 wheel alignment and a pre-inspection of your steering wheel in case they scratch the leather by accident upon removal/reinstall.

[tanklee]

install is pretty easy and straigt forward. remove subframe brace, disconnect steering shaft to steering rack, disconnect the connectors to steering rack, undo tie rod ends, and unbolt steering rack. then you have to code and adapt a bunch of stuff afterwards like the steering angle sensor, steering module, component protection, etc.

[WeeKenny]

Audi quote 9 hrs to do it

[Moose201]

install is pretty easy and straigt forward. remove subframe brace, disconnect steering shaft to steering rack, disconnect the connectors to steering rack, undo tie rod ends, and unbolt steering rack. then you have to code and adapt a bunch of stuff afterwards like the steering angle sensor, steering module, component protection, etc.

I guess I can assume that they will replace any stretch bolts with new ones?

[Ryan_qttro]

I guess I can assume that they will replace any stretch bolts with new ones?

They may, if you want Alu Kruez now is the time.

[MrFunk]

They may, if you want Alu Kruez now is the time.

And now's time to do sway and links too...

[Moose201]

I would request a 4 wheel alignment and a pre-inspection of your steering wheel in case they scratch the leather by accident upon removal/reinstall.

Good suggestion, thanks.

[SteveYem]

Are you lowered or on stock suspension?

[Moose201]

Are you lowered or on stock suspension?

Stock suspension.

[B8 S4]

What symptoms do you have? Sometimes on a cold start it seems like there are "notches" in the steering where its hard to go inbetween the two set positions

[Moose201]

What symptoms do you have? Sometimes on a cold start it seems like there are "notches" in the steering where its hard to go inbetween the two set positions

The center notch steering problem has been well documented in these forums and mine seems to be a milder version of what others have experienced. When they did the 48k8 software update about a year ago, the problem seemed to be gone once and for all but it crept back as the temperatures dropped late last year. There is a seemingly random pattern as to when it decides to appear which means that the likelihood of it being experienced by an Audi Tech during a test drive is slim. I thought it would really flare up with recent cold temperatures but it didn't. The randomness of it all makes it slightly maddening.

[dowzer]

How did you convince them that the problem actually exists? My local dealer won't touch anything unless their tech can observe it first hand.

[Moose201]

How did you convince them that the problem actually exists? My local dealer won't touch anything unless their tech can observe it first hand.

I wrote a detailed letter to Audi of America outlining the problem along with the steps my dealer took to remedy the situation followed by the recurrence of the problem. I received a prompt and polite phone call from AoA that lead to the new steering rack being offered as their solution.

[Moose201]

They are doing the install today and using the following parts:

Steering rack - 8K1423055BR
Intermediate steering shaft - 8K1419753G

Should have the car back tomorrow.

[Moose201]

Okay, it's done. New steering rack, new steering shaft, 4 wheel alignment. Test driven by the tech as well as the TSM. The drive home was okay but the coming weeks and months will be the real test. Fingers crossed.