T4 inner tie rod replacement

[ericcs]

I'm trying to undo the inner tie rods, as the steering rack needs to come out. is there a easy way to undo the tie rod at the rack end. some youtube clips show some type of tube spanner, while another uses a 32mm spanner. i have a 32mm spanner, but it is super loose, a 31mm would be better i think. it's also a crap position to get the spanner in!
does anyone have any suggestions please!

[Umai Naa!!]

Assuming you have it at full-lock, 32mm spanner is how I do it.

[ericcs]

hmmm, i measured the nut at 30.3mm with my verniers. my 32mm spanner wants to roll over!
do they undo the normal(anticlockwise) direction?

[Umai Naa!!]

Yes, anti-clockwise.

Now that you mention it, they don't look like OEM tie rods, so they could well require a smaller spanner.

[ericcs]

well, i got them both, thanks to a pair of stillson's. the drivers side looks to have been replaced, as it's definately smaller than 32mm, and also has a smaller inner boot which goes over the ball joint. the passenger side looks to still be original, has the audi symbol on the boot, but, it is a 34mm gland, so i was never going to win with the 32mm spanner!

[Umai Naa!!]

You're right about the 34mm, I just went outside and checked what size the spanner was I had modified to work. It's a 32mm that's been embiggened to 34mm for this very purpose.

[ericcs]

after a marathon effort, finally got the rack out. why on earth would the 4 bolts to hold the rack in, be torx headed, it's hard enough to get to them as it is!
now need to attempt to rebuild it, both end seals are shot, with both boots full of oil, just 1 ended up splitting.

[Sunny43.5]

You beat me to it because I used stillsons when I did those on T4 I was selling some years back .