Tie Rods

Tie Rods

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Torque wrench (V.A.G 1332)

• Box end wrench insert (V.A.G 1923)

• Locking pliers (VAS 6199)

Removing

Tie rods at left and right are identical. They can be removed and installed with the steering gear in the vehicle.

Affects Vehicles with Air Suspension

- Place the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to => [ Positioning Vehicle on Hoist and Wheels ] Positioning Vehicle on Hoist and Wheels.

Affects All Vehicles

- Remove wheel trim cap, remove cover cap on light-alloy wheels (removal hook in vehicle tool kit).

- Remove the wheel.

- Remove engine cover.

- Open the clamping sleeve and spring clamp on the boot - arrows -.






- Remove the bolts - 1 - and - 2 - and the tie rod end.






• Do not widen the slits in the wheel bearing housing using a chisel or similar tool.

• Do not use a chisel or similar tool between the steering arm - 1 - and the tie rod ball joint sealing washer - 2 - when removing the tie rod or the sealing washer could be damaged.






• Tie rod may only be pressed off steering arm over tie rod ball joint pin ends or driven with a wooden or rubber hammer.

- Pull boot toward the outside as far as possible.

- Remove tie rod using (V.A.G 1923).






Installing

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

- Tighten the tie rod using the (V.A.G 1923).






- When installing boot, make sure:

• Smaller diameter of boot snaps into groove at tie rod.

• The boot does not get twisted.

- Replace the spring clamp and the clamping sleeve - arrows -.






Clamping Sleeves, Installing

Make sure that dimension - A - of 5.7 mm maximum is observed. Dimension - A - must never be greater than 5.7 mm, otherwise there may be problems with the seal.






- Insert a new clamping sleeve and tension with the (VAS 6199).

- Align tie rod so that tie rod ball joint pints are in installation location.

- Insert tie rod in steering arm to stop.

• Install the tie rod in the steering arm - 1 - by hand. Do not put stress on the tie rod end sealing washer - 2 -.






- Install threaded connection - 2 - and tighten nut.






- Install and fasten bolt - 1 -.

- Mount wheel and tighten.

- Place vehicle on wheels. Refer to => [ Positioning Vehicle on Hoist and Wheels ] Positioning Vehicle on Hoist and Wheels.

- Perform an axle alignment. Refer to => [ Wheel Alignment ] Wheel Alignment.