How to Install Tie Rod Ends on a 2001 VW Passat

The Volkswagen Passat has been sold by Volkswagen Passenger Cars since 1973. The 2001 Passat was equipped with a choice of two engines; a 1.8-liter turbo charged four-cylinder engine, or a 2.8-liter V-6. The outer tie rods on the 2001 Passat help control the toe alignment and the steering of the car, and can cause uneven wear on tires if the tie rods are bad. The 2001 Passat uses a wheel bolt system, rather than the traditional American wheel lug nuts and wheel studs. The bolts mount through the wheel directly into the wheel hubs.

Instructions

1

Loosen the front wheel lug bolts with a tire iron. Raise the front of the Passat with a jack. Place jack stands beneath the front lower frame rails, just inward from the lower control arms. Lower the car onto the jack stands. Remove the lug bolts completely from the wheels, then remove the front wheels from the car.

2

Insert an open-end wrench onto the inner steering rod and a second open-end wrench onto the outer tie rod jam nut. Hold the inner rod completely still while turning the jam nut away from the outer tie rod end. Turn the nut until it is approximately 1/2-inch or farther away from the outer tie rod. Make a white mark where the outer tie rod and inner rod meet, using a paint marker or white crayon.

3

Remove the hold down nut from the outer tie rod, where it is attached to the steering knuckle. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the nut from the ball stud on the outer tie rod. Pull the outer tie rod upward and out of the steering knuckle, using a pry bar if needed. Wiggle the steering knuckle left to right to assist in loosening the ball stud from the steering knuckle.

4

Remove the outer tie rod from the inner rod, while holding the inner rod still with an open-end wrench. Turn the outer tie rod counterclockwise to remove it. Count the number of turns you make during removal to assist you during the installation process.

5

Apply grease to the threads of the inner rod, and spin the new outer tie rod onto the inner rod by hand. Turn the outer tie rod clockwise the exact amount of turns you did during removal of the old tie rod. Hold the inner rod still with an open-end wrench while you install the outer tie rod end. Make sure the outer tie rod ball stud is facing downward when you are finished installing it. Turn the outer tie rod in the direction that requires the least amount of rotation to make the stud face downward.

6

Install the new outer tie rod end ball stud through the steering knuckle. Gently tap the top of the tie rod with a hammer to insert the stud if needed. Install the outer tie rod hold down nut and tighten the nut to 37 foot-pounds of torque, using a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket.

7

Install the correct open-end wrench adapter onto the end of your torque wrench, to fit the outer tie rod jam nut. Hold the inner rod still, and tighten the jam nut to 26 foot-pounds with the torque wrench and the open-end wrench adapter.

8

Repeat steps 2 through 7 to complete the outer tie rod replacement on the second side of the Passat. Install the front wheels onto the Passat, and tighten the lug bolts with a tire iron until they are snug. Use an awl or metal rod to align your wheel bolt holes if needed. Raise the front of the car off the jack stands, and remove the stands from beneath the car. Lower the Passat to the ground. Tighten the lug bolts to 81 foot-pounds with your torque wrench and a wheel nut socket.

9

Take the car to an alignment shop for final alignment.