Tie Rod: Service and Repair

WARNING:
^ Do not re-use any fasteners that are worn or deformed in normal use.
^ Some fasteners are designed to be used only once, and are unreliable and may fail if used a second time. This includes, but is not limited to, nuts, bolts, washers, circlips and cotter pins. Always follow the recommendations in these procedures - replace these fasteners with new parts where indicated, and any other time it is deemed necessary by inspection.


Special tools, test equipment and auxiliary items
VAG 1923





Notes:
^ Left and right-hand tie rods are identical.
^ Tie rods can be removed and installed with the steering gear installed.


Removing
- Remove front wheel.
- Loosen bolts -3- and -4- and disconnect tie rod end downward.





- Remove plastic nut -1-.
- Pry out clips -2-.
- Remove cover for tie rod.





- Open clamps on boot.





- Move boot outward as far as possible.
- Remove tie rod using VAG1923.


Installing
- Install tie rod.
Tightening torque: 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.)
- When installing boot, make sure to check:
^ Smaller diameter of boot clips into groove on tie rod
^ Boot is not twisted Replace inner (large) clamp.
- Check wheel alignment.