Tie Rods, Removing and Installing

Tie rods, removing and installing
Special tools and equipment 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 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, remove heat shield.





- Remove nut -2- and phillips-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.





- Remove tie rod with VAG 1923.

Installing
Install in reverse order.
- Checking suspension geometry, Refer to Suspension Testing and inspection.

Tightening torque:
Tie rod to steering gear
Vehicles with 4-cylinder engine, Refer to Power Steering Gear, dissembling and assembling, see item 6
Vehicles with 6 or 8-cylinder engines, Refer to Power Steering for vehicle with 5, 6 or 8-cylinder engine, disassembling and assembling, see item 7