Hydraulic Steering

Tie Rod Ball Joint

• Different tie rod ends were installed during production; the difference is the joint pin thread length. Refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETKA).

• When exchanging the tie rod end, make sure the length of the thread on the tie rod end is sufficient (there must be approximately 5 mm extra thread). If this is not the case, then install a new tie rod end with a longer thread pin. Allocation, refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETKA).

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Torque wrench (V.A.G 1331)

• Torque wrench (V.A.G 1332)

• Ball joint puller (T40010 A)

• Ring socket wrench (V.A.G 1332/10)

• Ring socket wrench (V.A.G 1332/7)

Removing

- Place the vehicle on a hoist.

- Remove the wheel.

- Measure the dimension - a - between the tie rod head - 1 - and the left and right tie rod - 2 - and make a note of the value. Dimension - a - must be the same on the left and right sides after installing.






- If necessary, shorten the "longer" tie rod head (installed it deeper into the tie rod).

- Unscrew the nut - 1 - from the joint pin - 2 - on the tie rod end as far as required to make it flush with the threading on the joint pin. Counterhold it if you have to when loosening.






• Turn the nut a couple of turns on the pin to protect the threading.

- Use the (T40010 A) to force the tie rod end off of the wheel bearing housing. Next, remove the nut.






• Make sure that both lever arms on the puller are parallel to each other when you exert a great deal of force on them; adjust them so that they are parallel, if necessary.

- Loosen the nut - 2 -. Counterhold the tie rod end - 3 -.






- Remove the tie rod end - 3 -.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal. Pay attention to the following:

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Hydraulic Power Steering Gear ] Overhaul.

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Hydraulic Steering Gear Assembly Overview ] Hydraulic Steering Gear Assembly Overview.

- Mount the tie rod head - 1 - on the tie rod - 2 - until dimension - a -, which was measured during removal, is reached.






- Align the tie rod head - 2 - so that the pin is in the installation position.

- Insert the tie rod end into the wheel bearing housing as far as the stop.

- Tighten the nut - 1 -. Counterhold it when tightening if necessary.






- Tighten the nut - 2 -.






- Mount wheel and tighten.

- Axle alignment is required, see Table. Refer to => [ Wheel Alignment ] Wheel Alignment.