Volkswagen Golf Service & Repair Manual: Removing and installing track rod

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Torque wrench -V.A.G 1332-

Open-end insert, 38 mm -V.A.G 1923-

Ball joint puller -T10187-

Locking pliers for Phaeton steering rack -VAS 6199-

Carry out the following work:

Removing

Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position.
Loosen wheel bolts.
Raise vehicle.
Remove wheel.
Clean outside of steering rack in vicinity of boot.
Loosen nut on track rod ball joint but do not remove completely.

Using ball joint puller -T10187--1-, press track rod ball joint off wheel bearing housing, and unscrew nut.

Caution

Leave nut screwed on a few turns to protect thread on pin.

Open clamps and push boot back.
Turn steering as follows:

- For left track rod, turn steering to full right lock

- For right track rod, turn steering to full left lock.

Unscrew track rod.

1 -	Open-end spanner attachment -V.A.G 1923-

2 -	Torque wrench -V.A.G 1332-

Note If the steering rack shows signs of corrosion, damage, wear or soiling, renew the complete steering rack. Likewise, if there is no film of grease on the steering rack, the steering rack must be renewed.

Installing

Install in reverse order of removal, observing the following:

Caution

Do not grease steering rack.

Make sure that correct track rod ball joint is installed on each side.

I -	Track rod ball joint on right marked with an “A”

II -	Track rod ball joint on left marked with a “B”

Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position.
Thread new clamps and rubber boot onto track rod.

Screw track rod into track rod ball joint until dimension -a- is attained.

Dimension -a- = 373 ± 1 mm

Tighten track rod.

1 -	Open-end spanner attachment -V.A.G 1923-

2 -	Torque wrench -V.A.G 1332-

Lightly grease sealing surface between boot and track rod with grease -G 052 168 A1- from repair kit.

Push rubber boot -2- onto track rod -1-, making sure that boot is correctly positioned.
Secure spring-type clip on rubber boot using hose clip pliers -V.A.G 1275-.
Lightly grease sealing surface between boot and steering rack housing with grease -G 052 168 A1- from repair kit.
Push rubber boot onto steering rack housing as far as it will go.

Install new clamp, as shown in figure, with locking pliers for Phaeton steering rack -VAS 6199-.
Check wheel alignment → Chapter.
If both track rods have been exchanged, basic setting must be carried out for steering angle sender -G85- → Vehicle diagnostic tester.
Then carry out basic setting of steering → Vehicle diagnostic tester

Removing and installing track rod