Tie Rod Location

• The Audi's tie rod is located behind the wheel on the rear of the wheel hub. Accessing the tie rod means removing only the wheel. There's no need to remove the brakes or any other part of the suspension. The best way to work on the tie rod is to raise the Audi with a tire jack and then rest the car on a jack stand. Jack stands are more stable and secure than a tire jack. Removing the tie rod may take some hammering to knock it loose, and you don't want to do that with the Audi suspended on a tire jack.
  
  Just lift the tire jack at least 13 inches and place the jack stand under the Audi's frame adjust to 12 inches. Lower the tire jack and the Audi will be completely supported.
  
  

Tie Rod removal

• The tie rod is connected to the wheel hub with a 16mm hex head bolt (German imports have metric fittings and fasteners). Remove the bolt and determine if the rod will come free. If not, use a wedge tool (heavy screwdriver, chisel or pry bar) and tap it between the tie rod and the bracket. This will knock it loose.
  
  The other end of the tie rod is fastened to the steering pinion into a threaded socket. Be sure not to just unscrew the tie rod to remove it. The thread depth and adjusting the tie rod aligns the front wheels. Try to precisely count the number of turn to remove the tie rod. This way when you install the new tie rod, you can set it at the same length and maintain proper alignment. You can also mark the depth of the threading with a marker before turning the tie rod. This will also indicate the depth.
  
  

Tie Rod Installation

• Before installing the new tie rod, take this opportunity to clean all the fittings and the components associated with the tie rod with a good degreasing solution. You may even use a wire brush to remove the heaviest buildup.
  
  Insert the tie rod into the threads and screw in the correct number of turns. If you transferred the mark from the old tie rod to the replacement, then thread to the mark. Using both measurements will get an accurate tie rod length.
  
  Once you've attached the tie rod to the pinion, reinstall the 16mm bolt and attach the wheel.