Tie Rod: Service and Repair

Tie rod, removing and installing

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Torque wrench V.A.G. 1332:

Box end wrench insert V.A.G 1923:

Left and right tie rods are identical.

They can be removed and installed with the steering gear in vehicle.

Removing





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

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





^ Remove plastic nut - 1 -.
^ Pry out clips - 2 -.
^ Remove cover for tie rod.





^ Open clips on boot - arrows -.

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 end off downward.
^ Pull boot toward the outside as far as possible.





^ Remove tie rod using VAG 1923.

Installing
Install in reverse order.
^ Checking suspension geometry

Tightening torques
Tie rod to steering gear

Vehicles with 4-cylinder engine

Vehicles with 6 or 8-cylinder engines