Rear Cross-Member: Service and Repair

Tie Rod

• As a running change in MY 2010, aluminum coupling rods were replaced by plastic coupling rods. It is not permitted to use different tie rods on an axle.

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

• Torque wrench (V.A.G 1332)

• Ring spanner insert AF 21 (T40183)

• No illustration, commercially available pawl with fine gear

Removing






- Determine dimension - a - from the center of the wheel to the lower edge of the wheel housing before starting work while the vehicle is resting on its wheels.

- Place the vehicle on a hoist.

- Remove the wheel.

- Remove the bolt - 4 -.






- Mark the position of the bolt - 1 - to the subframe - 2 -.

- Remove the nut and the bolt - 1 -.

- Remove tie rod - 5 -.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

Tightening specifications, refer to => [ Upper Transverse Link, Tie Rod, Coil Spring, Lower Control Arm and Level Control System Sensor Assembly Overview ] .

• Bonded rubber bushings can only be turned to a limited extent. Only tighten suspension screws when vehicle is in curb weight or control position.

• Wheel bearing, lifting to curb weight position on vehicles with coil springs. Refer to => [ Wheel Bearing with Coil Spring, Lifting to Curb Weight Position ] .

- Insert the tie rod - 5 -.






The marking - 3 (Delta) - must be on the outside. The tip of the marking - 3 - faces up.

- First insert the bolt - 1 - completely and then align it according the marking.

- Insert and tighten the bolt - 4 -.

- Install the bolt - 1 - by hand. Tighten the bolt nut - 1 - to the tightening specification only after measuring the axle alignment.

- Tighten wheel.

- Alignment is required, see Table. Refer to => [ When Vehicle Alignment is Necessary ] Testing and Inspection.

• The alignment must be performed on a VW/Audi approved alignment stand.