Poxy stupid steering rack bolts.

[Madmonkee]

Got my Mickey Mouse tool kit out tonight and got the fecking socket stuck on the bolt.... I have some star drive bits somewhere ill have another go at it, it seemed pretty tight tho, what torque is applied as a guide? Side question, to the right of the bolt about 4" towards the passenger side there is a small electrical connection: I have what I can only describe as a "tube type" socket spanner seemingly stuck on the bolt securing the connection? Is this an Audi thing or a rogue tool left in there??

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Got my Mickey Mouse tool kit out tonight and got the fecking socket stuck on the bolt.... I have some star drive bits somewhere ill have another go at it, it seemed pretty tight tho, what torque is applied as a guide? Side question, to the right of the bolt about 4" towards the passenger side there is a small electrical connection: I have what I can only describe as a "tube type" socket spanner seemingly stuck on the bolt securing the connection? Is this an Audi thing or a rogue tool left in there??

Torque is 40nm (approx 30lbft) and then a further 90 degrees.

Don't do it that tight else you may stretch the bolt (they are technically single use only).
Only a quid from a dealer.

Also remember that using a universal joint completely wrecks any torque estimate.

No idea on connection - will check.

[ArthurPE]

Got my Mickey Mouse tool kit out tonight and got the fecking socket stuck on the bolt.... I have some star drive bits somewhere ill have another go at it, it seemed pretty tight tho, what torque is applied as a guide? Side question, to the right of the bolt about 4" towards the passenger side there is a small electrical connection: I have what I can only describe as a "tube type" socket spanner seemingly stuck on the bolt securing the connection? Is this an Audi thing or a rogue tool left in there??

that is the NEG(-) for battery jumping

just checked mine
both snug, they are 16 mm (most std sets come with a 15 and 17, no 16)
so if you used a 17 on the rounded shouldered bolt it will jam
the bolts look like alloy so be careful, you will be cussing from here to Monday if you snap one

[KernowPete]

OK guys, the fun (not) continues. I've checked the bolt under the sliding cover and that's as tight as a gnat's chuff as far as I can tell. So, first question, given that the knocking sounds like it's coming mainly from the passenger side, how likely is it to be one of the other two that are much more difficult to get to? And I'm 99% sure I haven't got DRC issues so what else could it be? I've read on other forums that it could be the non-OEM brake pads moving around. And two different indies have told me the same thing. But, it doesn't just happen under braking but sometimes also under normal driving so could this really be the cause?

Just to recap what's happening - I have a knocking sound coming from somewhere on the front of the car. It only happens at low speed and/or under braking (but not just under braking). It only happens over rough road surfaces and even then not at speed. As many of you will know I'm currently having brake judder again so that explains why it does it under braking, but as mentioned, it doesn't do it at all at speed. It doesn't do it over speed bumps. There is no play in the steering and it doesn't do it when going from lock to lock. As far as I can tell the car is driving as it should except for the brake judder and the knocking sound. Something 'ain't right and it's really driving me mad now

[TonyHayers]

What kind of noise is it? Have a listen with the windows down. Is it like metal on metal, or more of a dull knock? if it's more of a "rattle", could something be rattling around in the under tray? Or maybe the abs sensor bracket is loose (the little bolt came off mine recently and it produced a really annoying/worrying rattle (Unit20 lads fixed it in about 30 seconds!).

Bit of a brainstorm, hope you work out what it is.

[KernowPete]

It's not a rattle but neither is it a clunk! Under braking with the judder it sounds quite a bit like a wood pecker

[scaghead]

It's not a rattle but neither is it a clunk! Under braking with the judder it sounds quite a bit like a wood pecker

Greater spotted or lesser spotted fella?

[KernowPete]

It's not a rattle but neither is it a clunk! Under braking with the judder it sounds quite a bit like a wood pecker

Greater spotted or lesser spotted fella?

Very funny but anybody got any sensible help?

[joesnow]

It's not a rattle but neither is it a clunk! Under braking with the judder it sounds quite a bit like a wood pecker

Did you get this sorted???

Managed to get rid of the noise I was experiencing when on full lock. The power steering fluid was on minimum. Topped it up and now there is no knocking noise.

[KernowPete]

It's not a rattle but neither is it a clunk! Under braking with the judder it sounds quite a bit like a wood pecker

Did you get this sorted???

Managed to get rid of the noise I was experiencing when on full lock. The power steering fluid was on minimum. Topped it up and now there is no knocking noise.

Not yet - I'll check the fluid level but I don't think it's that cos it usually happens in a straight line with no lock on. It's going in to an indie soon for a service and other bits and pieces and I'm going to task them with getting to the bottom of it once and for all.

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Worth looking at the tie/track rods. Iirc they are poly and can wear