Tie Rod: Service and Repair

Special tools, workshop equipment, testers, measuring instruments and auxiliary items required





^ VAG 1332 Torque wrench





^ VAG 1923 Open end wrench attachment

Left and right-hand tie rods are identical.
They can be removed and installed with steering gear remaining installed.

Removing
On vehicles with 5 valve engines, air cleaner and air line must be removed.





To remove the left tie rod on vehicles with 4-cyl. engine, additionally remove heat shield.
- Remove nut -2- and cross head screws -3
- Remove heat shield -1-.
- Remove front wheel.





- Remove synthetic material nut -1-.
- Pry out clips -2-.
- Take out cover for tie rod.





- Open clips on boot.
Illustration shows tie rod for vehicles with V6 engine.
On vehicles with 4-cyl. engine, open clip on steering gear.





- Loosen bolts -3- and -4- and pull tie rod ball joint off downward.
- Pull boot as far as possible outward.





- Unscrew tie rod with VAG 1923.

Installing
Install in reverse order.
- Checking suspension geometry, refer to Alignment.
Tightening torque:
Tie Rod to Steering Gear - 100 Nm