Replacement of steering traction on the ŠKODA Octavia A5: how to do it right

Steering thrusts are a critical element of steering ŠKODA Octavia A5The state of which directly depends on the safety of driving. Wear of these parts is manifested by the back of the steering wheel, uneven wear of the tires and even the car's withdrawal to the side. If you notice at least one of these symptoms, you can’t ignore the problem: faulty traction can lead to loss of control of the machine at high speed.

In this article, we will discuss how to replace the steering rods on your own. Octavia A5 (body 1Z2004-2013, without resorting to the services of the service. You will learn what tools you will need, how to choose the right parts, and what parts. key mistakes They allow newcomers to repair. And also – reveal secrets that will help save time and avoid repeated disassembly.

Signs of a malfunction of steering traction on the Octavia A5

The first sign of a problem with the steering traction is steering wheel play. If when turning the steering wheel on a small angle of the wheels do not react immediately, but “snatch” with a delay, this is a sure sign of wear ball hinges or the rods themselves. Nana Octavia A5 It is considered more critical than the 10 mm at the end of the thrust (checked by mounting with the raised wheel).

Other symptoms:

• 🔊 Knocking or squeaking when turning the steering wheel, especially on rough roads. The sound often comes from under the front bumper or wheel arches.
• 🚗 Uneven tire wear If the inner or outer edge of the tread is washed away faster, this may indicate a violation of the angles of the wheel installation due to backlash in the tractors.
• 🔄 Spontaneous shift of the steering wheel when driving in a straight line, especially after passing pits. This is due to the fact that worn hinges do not fix the wheels in a neutral position.
• 💨 Vibration on the steering wheel at higher speeds 80 km/hwhich disappears after slowing down.

On Octavia A5 with electric power steering (EPS) defective traction may also cause error P1607 (inconsistency of wheel and steering angles), which lights up on the dashboard. If you see this code, don’t be in a hurry to change the sensor – check the mechanical part first.

⚠️ Attention! If the speed is higher than 60 km/h The steering wheel starts to "beat" or the car sharply pulls aside, stop immediately. It could be a sign. full-blown - further movement is dangerous!

What steering thrusts to choose for the Octavia A5: original vs analogues

On ŠKODA Octavia A5 (including versions Combi and Scout) the traction from the art is set. Numbers:

• 🔧 Left traction - original 1Z1 422 807 A (or 1Z1 422 807 B for models with EPS).
• 🔧 Right thrust - original 1Z1 422 808 A (or 1Z1 422 808 B).

The cost of original traction from VW Group starts from 4 500 ₽ For one piece, but many owners choose high-quality analogues that will cost less. The table below shows the proven brands and their articles:

Brand	Article (left/right)	Price (for 1 piece), rubles	Features
TRW	JTE510 / JTE511	3 200–3 800	High quality rubber dusters, suitable for EPS.
Lemforder	28601 01 / 28602 01	3 500–4 000	OEM supplier for VW, resource up to 100,000 km.
Febi Bilstein	28601 / 28602	2 800–3 300	Budget option, but anthers are less durable.
Sasic	2005100 / 2005101	2 500–3 000	Suitable for versions with power steeringbut not recommended for EPS.

When choosing analogues, pay attention to anther materialCheap rubber cracks quickly, especially in Russian winters. The best option is to thrust with anthers from polyurethane (for example, at TRW or Lemforder). Also check the package: there should be new ones in the box. fastening nuts (They can’t be reused!)

Tools and preparation for replacement

To replace steering rods with Octavia A5 you will need:

• 🔧 Jack and supports (or lift).
• 🔧 Ball joint remover (required!) Without it, you risk damaging the anther.
• 🔧 Socket wrenches on 16, 17, 19 and 21.
• 🔧 6 mm hexagon (To unscrew the counternut of thrust).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (to tighten to the correct torque).
• 🔧 WD-40 or liquid key (The slack is a common problem.)
• 🔧 Hammer and pry bar (for careful dismantling).
• 🔧 New lock nuts (Combined with thrusts).

Before starting work:

1. Place the vehicle on a level surface and fix the rear wheels stops.
2. Relax the wheel nuts. before getting up (It is harder to unscrew them on weight).
3. Remove the negative terminal from the battery – this will prevent accidental operation EPS (if there is one).
4. Check if there's any traction. factory-mark (e.g. paint) – they will need to be transferred to new parts to save the angles of the wheel installation.

Reduce wheel nuts |Disable battery |Lift the car to the supports |Clean threaded connections WD-40|Prepare new lock nuts-->

⚠️ Attention! If on your Octavia A5 installed EPS (electric power steering), after the replacement of the thrust will be required adaptation reset via a diagnostic scanner (for example, VCDS or OBDeleven). Without this, the steering wheel can rotate indiscriminately with the wheels!

Step-by-step instructions for replacing tie rods

The replacement process is the same for left and right traction, but it is more convenient to start with passenger side (There is more room for maneuvers). Follow the algorithm:

1. Remove the wheel And clean the steering rack and traction. Use a metal brush and WD-40 for threaded connections.

2. Untwist the nut of thrust attachment to the turning fist (key to 19). Do not remove it completely - just weaken by a few turns.

3. Use a pullerTo press the hinge out of his fist. If there is no filmer, you can gently hit the hammer through the slot (for example, the key head), but the risk of damage to the anther increases.

   What if the hinge doesn't come out?

   If the puller doesn't help, try:

   1. Apply penetrating lubricant and wait 10-15 minutes.
   2. Turn the thrust around the axis (sometimes helps to move the hinge from place).
   3. Use the mount as a lever, resting on the fist.

   Do not use excessive force - You can damage the fist carving!

4. Unscrew the lock nut (hexagon on 6 mm and the key to 21). Set the thrust with a wiring key so that it does not scroll.

5. Count the number of turns. when unscrewing the thrust from the rack - this will help approximately save the angles of the wheel installation. An alternative is to measure the distance from the center of the hinge to the reiki (for example, 520 mm).

6. Install new rodAnd then you turn it on the same number of turns. Do not tighten the counternut until the end - you will do this after assembly.

7. Hold the hinge in your fist. The new nut (the moment of tightening) 50 Nm). Make sure the anther is not twisted.

After replacing both rods:

• Tighten locknuts moment 70 Nm.
• Install the wheels and lower the car.
• Check steering play And the synchronicity of the wheels.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to re-disassembly or accelerated wear of new tractions. Here are the most common:

1. Use of old lock nuts. They deform when tightened and do not provide reliable fixation. All the thrust nuts are disposable!

2. Incorrect tightening torque. A weak puff leads to backlash, and excessive - to damage to the thread or hinge. Always use a dynamometer key.

3. Ignoring anthers. If the anther is torn on the old tract, the dirt has already hit the hinge - the replacement of the thrust is not enough, you need to wash and lubricate the rack.

4. Failure to unwind. First, loosen the nut on the fist, then the counternut on the traction. If you do the opposite, you can damage the thread on the rack.

5. Forget about the EPS adaptation. On Octavia A5 with an electric amplifier after replacing the thrust, error reset and calibration of the angle of rotation sensor is required.

Another common problem is dust-dump. If you twist or stretch the anther during installation, it will quickly crack. Check its position after tightening the nuts: it should be free to "breathe" when turning the steering wheel.

When you need to adjust the collapse-convergence after replacement

On ŠKODA Octavia A5 steering-shift always requires a crash-descend check, even if you accurately counted the turns when unscrewing. Why?

• 🔧 Wear of silent blocks A lever or subframe can shift corners.
• 🔧 Play in ball jointswhich was not seen before the replacement.
• 🔧 Deformation of the fist (for example, after a blow to the curb).

Signs that the collapse-convergence is broken:

• Car leads astray on a flat road.
• The steering wheel is standing. crooked when moving in a straight line.
• Tires wear unevenly (e.g., "saw").

The cost of adjustment on the STO - from 1 500 ₽. If you have access to VCDSYou can pre-check the angles through the block. 04 — Steering AngleBut you need a stand to be fine-tuned.

How long are the steering thrusts on the Octavia A5 and how to extend their life

Steering rod service life Octavia A5 depends on operating conditions:

• 🚗 City mode (asphalt, rare pits) - 80,000–120,000 km.
• 🚗 Mixed mode (track + primers) — 60,000–90,000 km.
• 🚗 Aggressive driving on bad roads — 40,000–60,000 km.

To extend the life of the cravings:

• 🛑 Avoid sharp impacts about curbs or potholes at speed.
• 🔧 Check the boots regularly cracks (each one) 10,000 km).
• 💧 Wash the steering rack When changing oil or seasonally changing tires.
• 🔄 Monitor your tire pressure Underperformed tires increase the load on traction.

If you do a lot of off-road driving, consider installing thrust-strength (for example, from Febi with article number 28601 STABIL). They have stronger hinges and thick anthers, but stand on 20–30% more expensive than standard ones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing steering rods with Octavia A5

Can you replace only one of the thrusts if the second is in normal condition?

Technically possible, but not recommended. The steering thrusts wear out about the same, and if one is already "tired", the second will soon fail. In addition, different backlash in tractors can cause uneven convergence of wheels. Exception: if the second traction has been replaced recently (less than the previous one) 20,000 km backwards).

Do I need to remove the steering rack to replace the thrusts?

No, it's not necessary. The tractors are attached to the rack through a threaded connection and are easily unscrewed without dismantling the rack. Removal of the rack is necessary only in case of its repair or replacement.

How to check the back lift in steering traction without a lift?

Then, put your hand on the front wheel and put your hand on the back. Ask the assistant to swing the steering wheel left-right. If you feel gap Or you hear a knock, the thrust is worn out. You can also use the installation, putting it on the thrust up and down: backlash more 1–2 mm unacceptable.

What happens if you don’t do a break-down after replacing the rods?

The consequences can be serious:

• 🚗 Accelerated tire wear (tread will be erased by 5,000–10,000 km).
• 🔄 Pulling the car to the sideThis makes the driver tired and increases the risk of an accident.
• 💥 Increased load on wheel bearings And the power-blocks.

Even if the car was “going straight,” the angles could change unevenly, which would show up later.

Can I drive with a torn anther of traction?

Short term (for example, before replacement) not more than 1-2 weeks. Mud and moisture will quickly destroy the hinge, and the thrust will have to be changed entirely. If the anther breaks, temporarily wrap it. electrical tape Or a heat shrink tube, but don’t delay repairs!