Tie Rod: Installing

Installation is the reverse of removal, with special attention to the following:

CAUTION:

Do not lubricate the steering gear.

-- Make sure the correct tie rod end is installed on each side.

Fig 1: Identifying Tie Rod Ends

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

I - Right tie rod end identified with a "A"

II - Left tie rod end identified with a "B"

-- Turn the steering wheel into the straight ahead position.

-- Guide the new clamp and boot onto the tie rod.

-- Twist the tie rod far enough into tie rod end until dimension -a- is obtained.

Fig 2: Identifying Tie Rod Dimension

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Dimension -a- = 367 +/- 1 mm

-- Tighten the tie rod.

Fig 3: Loosening/Tightening Tie Rod

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Torque Wrench Insert - Open Jaw VAG1923
Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm VAG1332

-- Slightly grease the sealing surface of the boot to the tie rod using Grease G 052 168 A1 (from the repair kit, from Fuchs Renolit JP1619).

-- Slide bellows -2- onto tie rod -1-, pay attention to correct position when doing this.

Fig 4: Identifying Boot And Tie Rod

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Secure spring clamp on bellows using Hose Clip Pliers VAG1275A.

-- Slightly grease the sealing surface of the bellow to the steering gear housing with Steering Grease G 052 168 A1 (from the repair kit, from Fuchs Renolit JP1619).

-- Push the boot all the way onto the steering gear housing.

-- Tighten the new clamp using the Locking Pliers VAS6199 as shown in the figure.

Fig 5: Identifying New Clamp Tightened

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Install the wheel and tighten the wheel bolts, refer to WHEEL BOLT TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS .

-- Perform a vehicle alignment, refer to VEHICLE ALIGNMENT .

-- If both tie rods were replaced, then it is necessary to "adapt the basic setting for the steering end stops", refer to the vehicle diagnostic tester.