How to Replace Tie Rod End 99-05 Volkswagen Jetta

Difficulty: Advanced · About 40 min · Volkswagen Jetta

Replace the outer tie rod end, preserving the original toe setting with a measurement, on a 1999-2005 Volkswagen Jetta.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Pop off the lug nut caps with a 7mm Allen bit, insert the lug nut key into the locking lug nut, loosen all the lug nuts with the car on the ground, raise and support the car, then remove the lug nuts and wheel.

2. Remove the old outer tie rod

   Measure and record the distance from the inner tie rod boot to the end of the outer tie rod, loosen the 22mm connecting nut, remove the nut at the bottom of the tie rod end with a 6mm Allen wrench and a 19mm wrench, strike the steering knuckle with a hammer to loosen the tie rod, pull it up and out of the knuckle, then twist it off.

3. Install the new outer tie rod

   Twist it onto the inner tie rod, push it into the steering knuckle, fasten its nut with the 19mm wrench and 6mm Allen wrench and torque it to about 50 ft-lb, then measure again to confirm it matches your earlier recorded distance before tightening the 22mm connecting nut.

4. Reattach the wheel

   Slide the wheel on, start the lug nuts by hand, lower the car, torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a star pattern, then refit the lug nut covers.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.