Removing and installing track rod, electromechanical steering — VW

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes A32, A33

• Renewed: complete steering rack

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• Loosen nut on track rod ball joint but do not remove completely.
• 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.
• Do not grease steering rack. — Make sure that correct track rod ball joint is installed on each side.
• If both track rods have been exchanged, "“learning steering end stops basic setting”" must be carried out with .

📋 Procedure

1. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position.
2. Loosen wheel bolts.
3. Raise vehicle.
4. Remove wheel.
5. Clean outside of steering rack in vicinity of boot.

6. Loosen nut on track rod ball joint but do not remove completely.
7. ⚠ Leave nut screwed on a few turns to protect thread on pin. — Open clamps and push boot back.
8. Unscrew track rod. [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.]
9. ⚠ Do not grease steering rack. — Make sure that correct track rod ball joint is installed on each side.
10. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position.
11. Thread new clamps and rubber boot onto track rod.
12. Screw track rod into track rod ball joint until dimension (a) is attained.
13. Tighten track rod.
14. Lightly lubricate sealing surface between boot and track rod with greaseG 052 168 A1 (from repair kit Fuchs Renolit JP1619).
15. Push rubber boot (2) onto track rod (1), making sure that boot is correctly positioned.
16. Secure spring-type clip on rubber boot using hose clip pliersV.A.G 1275.
17. Lightly lubricate sealing surface between boot and steering rack with greaseG 052 168 A1 (from repair kit Fuchs Renolit JP1619).
18. Push rubber boot onto steering rack housing as far as it will go.
19. Install new clamp, as shown in figure, with locking pliers for Phaeton steering rackVAS 6199.
20. Install wheel and tighten.
21. Check wheel alignment.
22. If both track rods have been exchanged, "“learning steering end stops basic setting”" must be carried out with .

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