Overview - Steering Gear, Tie Rods

1. Clamp
   • Tensioning. Refer to Fig 4.
   • Always replace after removing.
   • Do not open the new clamp
2. Tie Rod
   • 100 Nm
   • Grease the joint with Steering Gear Grease: G 052 168 A1 
   • If the tie rod is deformed, the control arm on this side of the vehicle must also be replaced.
   • Removing and Installing. Refer to TIE ROD, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
3. Steering Gear
   • Grease the steering rack on both sides with Steering Gear Grease: G 052 168 A1 
   • Removing and Installing. Refer to STEERING GEAR, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
4. Tie Rod End
   • Check dust cap for damage and correct seating.
   • Check dimension. Refer to Fig 2
   • If the tie rod end is deformed, the control arm on this side of the vehicle must also be replaced.
   • Removing and Installing. Refer to TIE ROD END, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
5. Nut
   • 80 Nm
   • When loosening and tightening, counterhold at the tie rod end
6. Spring Clamp
   • Always replace after removing.
   • Spring Clamp, Installing. Refer to Fig 3.
7. Boot
   • Always replace after removing.
   • Check for damage
   • Must not be twisted when toe is being adjusted
   • Do not crumple the boot
   • Do not bring into contact with hard or sharp objects.
   • Grease the sealing locations with Steering Gear Grease: G 052 168 A1 
   • Make sure it is installed correctly. Refer to Fig 4.
   • Replacing. Refer to BOOT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
8. Clamp
   • Always replace after removing.
   • Do not open the new clamp
   • Tensioning. Refer to Fig 4.
9. Tie Rod
   • 100 Nm
   • Grease the joint with Steering Gear Grease: G 052 168 A1 
   • If the tie rod is deformed, the control arm on this side of the vehicle must also be replaced.
   • Removing and Installing. Refer to TIE ROD, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
10. Tie Rod End
    • Check dust cap for damage and correct seating.
    • Check dimension. Refer to Fig 2
    • If the tie rod end is deformed, the control arm on this side of the vehicle must also be replaced.
    • Removing and Installing. Refer to TIE ROD END, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
11. Nut
    • 80 Nm
    • When loosening and tightening, counterhold at the tie rod end
12. Spring Clamp
    • Always replace after removing.
    • Spring Clamp, Installing. Refer to Fig 3.
13. Boot
    • Always replace after removing.
    • Check for damage
    • Do not turn when toe is being adjusted
    • Do not crumple the boot
    • Do not bring into contact with hard or sharp objects.
    • Grease the sealing locations with Steering Gear Grease: G 052 168 A1 
    • Installation position. Refer to Fig 3.
    • Removing and Installing. Refer to BOOT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

Tie Rod End Check Dimension 

• Place a steel ruler -2- on the tie rod end and push it up to the edge of the roller -arrow- on the tie rod end -1-.
• If the check dimension -a- is less than 200 mm, replace the complete steering gear with the tie rod and tie rod end as well as the control arm on this side of the vehicle.

Outer Boot Installation Position 

• Dimension -a- = 2 mm.

Tension the Inner Clamp Using the Clamping Pliers VAG1682A. 

-- Attach the Clamping Pliers: VAG1682A  as shown.

• The jaws on the pliers must be centered -arrow- on the clamp -2-.

• The spindle threads must turn easily. If necessary, coat with MoS₂ lubricating grease.

TIP:

If difficult to tighten, for example because of dirty threads, the proper clamping force of the clamping sleeve will not be reached even when tightened to the specification.

-- Tension the clamp by turning the spindle -1- with the torque wrench. Do not tilt the clamping pliers during this.

Tightening Specifications 

Clamp style	Clamping Pliers: VAG1682A  (Hazet) with Clamping Pliers - Jaws: VAG1682A/1	Clamping Pliers: VAG1682A  (Hazet) with Clamping Pliers - Jaws: VAG1682A/1
85 mm clamp (front passenger side) -item  ) Clamp	7 Nm	9 Nm
59 mm clamp (driver side) -item  ) Clamp	10 Nm	12 Nm