Tie Rod, Removing And Installing

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Torque Wrench Insert - Open Jaw :V.A.G 1923

Fig 1: Identifying Torque Wrench Insert 1923
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Puller - Ball Joint:T10187

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Hose Clip Pliers:V.A.G 1275A

Fig 2: Identifying Hose Clip Pliers
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Locking Pliers:VAS 6199

Fig 3: Locking Pliers
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Removing

The following describes for example the removing and installing on the left side of the vehicle

-- Turn the steering wheel into straight ahead position.

-- Loosen the wheel bolts.

-- Raise the vehicle.

-- Remove the wheel.

-- Clean outside of steering gear in area of the boot.

-- Loosen the nut from the tie rod end, but do not remove it yet.

Fig 4: Identifying Nut Of Track Rod Ball Joint

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CAUTION:

There is a risk of damaging the wheel bearing housing with loosened bushings if the ball joint puller is positioned incorrectly.

The ball joint puller must be supported on the bushing and not on the wheel bearing housing.

-- Remove the tie rod end from the wheel bearing housing and remove the nut.

Puller - Ball Joint:T10187

-- Open the clamps and push back boot.

-- Turn the steering as follows:

- For the left tie rod, turn the steering to the right until stop

- For the right tie rod, turn the steering to the left until stop

-- Remove the tie rod.

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Torque Wrench Insert - Open Jaw:V.A.G 1923

NOTE:

If corrosion, damage, wear-out or first signs of soiling on steering rack can be seen, the complete steering gear must be replaced.

If no lubricating film is visible on the steering rack, steering gear must also be replaced completely.

Installing the Tie Rod

Install in the reverse order of removal while noting the following:

CAUTION:

Do not lubricate the steering rack.

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

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Left Tie Rod End
Right Tie Rod End

-- Turn the steering wheel into straight ahead position.

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

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

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Dimension -a- = 373 ± 1 mm

-- Tighten the tie rod.

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Torque Wrench Insert - Open Jaw:V.A.G 1923

-- Lightly grease the sealing surface of the boot to the tie rod with grease from the repair kit.

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

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-- Secure the spring clamp on the boot using Hose Clip Pliers:V.A.G 1275A .

-- Lightly grease the sealing surface of the boot to the steering gear housing with grease from the repair kit.

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

-- Clamp the new clamp -1- using the Locking Pliers:VAS 6199 .

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-- Clamp the ear of the clamp -arrow- until it is as shown.

-- Install the wheel and tighten.

-- Perform a vehicle alignment. Refer to AXLE ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE .

-- If both tie rods were replaced, then the basic setting for the Steering Angle Sensor -G85- must be performed using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

-- Then perform the basic setting for the steering using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

Tightening Specifications

Refer to OVERVIEW - STEERING GEAR
Refer to WHEEL BOLTS TIGHTENING SPECIFICATION .