Your Selected Vehicle
Parts for your 2013 Audi Q5-Steering rack
Explore 4WD & Adventure
2013 Audi Q5 Steering Rack — What It Does and How to Look After It
Yes, a steering rack is absolutely relevant and used on the 2013 Audi Q5 (type 8R). This model runs a rack-and-pinion steering gear. For the 2013 facelift, most variants moved to electromechanical power steering, and earlier 8R builds used hydraulic assist — both systems still use a steering rack. Technical sources that confirm this include the Audi erWin repair manual for the Q5 8R steering gear, ZF/Bosch (former ZF Lenksysteme) service literature for Audi 8R electromechanical racks, and the Audi ETKA parts catalogue listing complete steering gear assemblies for the 2013 Q5 under group 48.
The steering rack is the heart of the Q5’s steering. The steering wheel turns a pinion that moves the rack left and right, pushing the tie rods to steer the wheels. With electric assist (common on 2013-on cars), an integrated motor helps the driver while keeping fuel use down. On earlier hydraulic setups, a pump and fluid do the assisting. Either way, the rack provides precise control and road feel, which suits the Q5’s mix of city duty and open-road cruising.
There’s no scheduled “service” for the rack itself, but smart maintenance goes a long way:
- Inspect rack boots (bellows) and tie-rod ends for tears or play at each service.
- Check for moisture or seepage — fluid on hydraulic systems, grease contamination on EPS racks.
- Keep alignment in spec to protect tyres and the rack.
- Avoid kerb strikes and deep potholes, they’re the quickest way to bend inner tie rods.
Signs it’s time to act include: heavier steering, a crooked steering wheel, clunks or notchiness, uneven tyre wear, steering not self-centring, or a steering warning light (EPS models) with fault codes. Hydraulic cars may show fluid leaks or pump noise, EPS won’t leak fluid but can log faults and lose assist.
When replacement is needed, it’s a proper workshop job. Expect the subframe to be supported and lowered, new one-time-use bolts fitted, and on EPS cars, coding and a basic setting/steering angle calibration with a scan tool. Always finish with a four-wheel alignment. Match the rack to the vehicle’s PR-codes (options) to ensure the right ratio and connectors. Quality reman or genuine ZF/Bosch racks are fine if they include new seals, inner tie rods, and come pre-set. Typical labour is several hours, varying with engine and options.
Pro tip: some early-2013 builds in certain markets may still be hydraulic, so check via VIN or the vehicle data sticker. Regardless, it’s still a rack-and-pinion unit doing the hard work.
Popular questions about 2013 Audi Q5 steering racks
Does a 2013 Audi Q5 have electric or hydraulic power steering?
Most 2013 facelift Q5s use electromechanical power steering. However, some early-2013 builds or specific engine variants may be hydraulic. A quick VIN/PR-code check will confirm which you have. Both systems use a rack-and-pinion steering rack.
How long should a steering rack last on a Q5?
With normal driving and good alignment, many racks run 150,000–250,000 km or more. Harsh roads, big kerb hits, or torn rack boots can shorten that. Address any play, leaks, or warning lights early to avoid collateral damage to tyres and suspension.
What needs doing after a rack replacement?
Fit new stretch bolts and tie-rod locknuts, perform a four-wheel alignment, and on EPS cars, code the rack and complete steering angle/basic settings. A test drive on mixed roads confirms feel and return-to-centre are spot on.
