Tie rod, removing and installing

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Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Fig 1: Identifying Box End Wrench Insert V.A.G 1923

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Box end wrench insert V.A.G 1923
Torque wrench V.A.G 1332

The left and right tie rods are identical.

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

Removing

Remove front wheel.

Fig 2: Identifying Nut, Control Links & Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove hex head bolt - 3 - and remove threaded connection - 4 -.

NOTE:

The slits in the wheel bearing housing must not be widened using a chisel or similar tool!

Remove tie rod downward out of steering arm or press out.

Fig 3: Identifying Steering Arm & Tie Rod Ball Joint Sealing Washer

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

NOTE:

Do not use a chisel or similar tool between steering arm - 1 - and tie rod ball joint sealing washer - 2 - when removing tie rod, otherwise 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.

Remove cover for tie rod.

Fig 4: Opening Clips On Boot

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Open spring hose clamp and ear hose clamp - arrows - at boot.
Pull boot toward outside as far as possible.

Fig 5: Identifying Tie Rod Using V.A.G 1923

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove tie rod using Open-Jaw Torque Wrench Insert VAG 1923.

Installing

Install tie rod and tighten
When installing boot, ensure that:

- Smaller boot diameter snaps into groove on tie rod,

- Boot does not twist.

Replace spring hose clamp and ear hose clamp.
Install tie rod cover.
Align tie rod so that tie rod ball joint pints are in installation location.
Insert tie rod in steering arm to stop.

Fig 6: Identifying Steering Arm & Tie Rod Ball Joint Sealing Washer

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

NOTE:

Install tie rod in steering arm - 1 - only by hand and do not stress tie rod end seal - 2 -.

Fig 7: Identifying Nut, Control Links & Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Install threaded connection - 4 - and tighten nut ,
Install and fasten bolt - 3 -
Mount wheel and tighten. This information is contained in AESIS; Library; Additional Information; Wheels and Tire Guide
Perform vehicle alignment → Wheel alignment .

Alignment must take place on a VW/Audi recommended alignment stand.