Audi A4 Steering Rack Without Speed Sensor Port Fitment Checks for a replacement rack without a speed sensor port.
The above checks are required to fit a replacement Audi A4 steering rack without a speed sensor port.
Check the Stub Shaft Spline
By counting and measuring the stub shaft splines before fitting the replacement rack, you will be able to establish if the column coupling for the steering wheel will sit correctly on the stub shaft, as shown for the B7 model with a 36-spline 22mm shaft.
Confirm Tie Rod Thread Specification
Also, make sure the tie rod ends are the correct thread, M14 x 1.5 right-hand on both sides of the rack. It may fit with the locknut on but give incorrect toe when on the road.
Verify the Mounting Bracket Bolt Pattern
Then check the mounting bracket for the correct bolt pattern. It is easily possible that the wrong item is presented for fitting, which is close enough in terms of overall length but fails on the actual mountings.
Inspect Hydraulic Union Positions
There are Hydraulic Union Positions on the Steering Rack that need to align with your pipes without being stressed or re-routed in any way. The thread type for B7 Audi steering racks for Hydraulic Union Positions are metric banjo fittings.
Centre the Rack Before Final Torque
Tie the column coupling to the rack centre and bolt up in a parking lot, with wheels pointed straight, before lowering the car. It will not be easy to straighten up an off-centre steering wheel wheel.
Audi A4 steering rack is covered in more detail at https://westernpowersteering.co.uk/vehicles/audi/audi-a4-b7-steering-rack-without-speed-sensor-port/.
Working through each of these checks in order should help to prevent the majority of common fitting problems.