Tie Rod End, Removing And Installing

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

• Puller - Ball Joint:3287A 
• Torque Wrench 1332 40-200Nm:VAG1332 
• Torque Wrench 1332 Insert - Open Ring Wrench - 24mm:VAG1332/9 

Removing the Tie Rod End: 

-- Turn steering wheel into straight ahead position.

-- Remove the front wheel. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

-- Counterhold the tie rod end -1- and loosen the nut -2-.

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-- Loosen nut of tie rod ball joint, but do not unscrew yet.

• To protect thread, screw nut on pin a few turns.

-- Press off tie rod end from wheel bearing housing with :3287A  -1- and then remove nut.

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-- Remove the tie rod end -1- from the tie rod while counterholding on the tie rod hex fitting -arrow- if necessary.

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Installing the Tie Rod End

Fig 1: Measuring Tie Rod Head / Tie Rod Dimension

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Installation is the reverse of removal, with special attention to the following:

-- Install the tie rod end -1- on the tie rod -2-.

• The dimension -a- must be the same on the right and left tie rod end.
• The maximum permissible difference between the right and left < 2 mm.

Install in reverse order of removal. Note the following:

-- Perform vehicle alignment. Refer to VEHICLE ALIGNMENT .

Tightening Specifications

• Refer to STEERING GEAR, SERVICING .
• Refer to OVERVIEW - STEERING GEAR .
• Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .