1997 Mk3 VR6 MOT failed due to 'excessive play in track rod end' on the drivers side. I replaced the track rod end replaced with a new VAG part, but found there was still play in the wheel - side to side (directions of steering motion), no movement when pulling/pushing the wheel from the top/bottom. When moving the wheel in the direction of the play, the drivers side steering arm moves, however there is no movement on the passenger side arm or steering wheel. It appears that either the inner steering arm joint, or the rack itself is worn. Can anyone advise how to go about changing the inner joint - how difficult is it and how much time is required?
its a case of getting a big spanner on it to undo, so pretty simple. just gettign the clearance for it is a bit tricky! taking the wishbone off would probably help here
Hmm, does not sound 'too' bad. Although I didnt have fun doing the wishbone bushes last year... lol Sounds like a job for Bhupinder @ VW City lol
I had to change the inner nearside rod on a mk3 last year. had loads of play where as the original items on my mega mile 1995 mk3 are still solid
The correct way is to remove the rack, and strip it down. I have done it with a large spanner/shifter on it, a bit of heat and a few blows with a hammer, pretty brutal, but if its factory fitted it'llb threadlocked in and probably a right pain to remove.
yeah you're supposed to clamp the rack rod in a vice to avoid damaging the steering box, but I've never bothered and got away with it so far, touch wood!
i just did it with a big adjustable spanner and heaved on it. there appeared to be an almost dedicated hole in the subframe for you to access it too
I did both of mine a few months ago on my VR6, I managed to undo the knackered track rods with large adjustable wrench by just squeezing on the ball joint, I had to use the same technique getting it back on to until I could get the flat tightening surfaces into right position so I could get a spanner onto them. I think it took me three hours all in all and I didnt have to remove anything apart from track rod end nuts. Oh and dont get GSF replacement's as they only have two tightening surfaces to do it back up which makes it really awkward.
Cheers for the info guys! Very helpful. Going by your replies I would probably just do it myself... BUT.. this morning I managed to hurt my back again and am seriously annoyed about that... so I think I'll just bite the bullet and pay our local friendly VAG specialist :-)
i fitted lemforder bits from ECP. they had normal hex ends for where it joins on the rack so was quite straight forwards
