Tie rod troubles MK2

[burn_your_money]

My brother just called me and is having some problems working on my other brother's 91 Golf with a 1.9 NA diesel in it. His outer tie-rod is worn on the drivers side so he bought a replacement. They only bought the outer. Now the tie-rod on the car doesn't have a lock nut against the outer tie-rod, is this normal? It was fully threaded onto the tie-rod, leaving no room for a lock nut. Also, there is no flat spot for holding the tie-rod while taking off the outer off. Is this normal?

[8v-of-fury]

How in gods green earth did they ever align this car?? The inner threads in so far to give you the lock-to-lock of the steering.. But the adjustment is in the outer.

[bajacalal]

I thought VW originally used non-adjustable tie rod assemblies on one side of the car (probably to save money).

The solution is to throw it away and get both the inner and outer tie rods for that side, the aftermarket replacement ones should be adjustable when you put them together. 

[znate]

Burns brother here,

I think we've decided to replace the whole tie rod. We were able to get the thing turning by using some huge pipe wrenches but it just turns and turns but doesn't come off, theres not even any threads showing. I think it's a non adjustable type. I read somewhere online about vw using a non adjustable on one side so that the rack remains centered when an alignment is done.

Anyone know what size the inner tie rod nut is? My biggest wrench is 24mm and it's too small.

[bajacalal]

I use an adjustable wrench- a good one, not a loose crappy one. My guess would be 26, 27 or or 30 mm. Those are sizes you run into a lot. Sorry I can't be more specefic.

[burn_your_money]

34mm according to vortex

[R.O.R-2.0]

stock, mk2 only has one side adjustible..

if the drivers side tie rod has any issues, you have to buy a new inner and outter tie rod, because the new inner will be threaded to accept the new outter..

so, on the drivers side, you replace the whole tie rod if its an original piece..

[R.O.R-2.0]

34mm according to vortex

whatever is the same as 15/16... thats what i use on that nut.

[bajacalal]

34mm according to vortex

whatever is the same as 15/16... thats what i use on that nut.

That would be a lot closer to 24 mm.

Also, IIRC it's not a "hex" nut but something like a gland nut with only 2 flat sides.

[8v-of-fury]

znate and Tyler check out your local Crap Tire. They rent out a tie-rod tool.

I cant recall if they have our size in the kit though..... Crappp.

[ORCoaster]

34mm according to vortex

Another reason to suspect the information found on "that other forum" 

15/16" = 24 mm in my tool box. 

[CRSMP5]

power steering ha both adjustable non power has one solid one adjustable

[burn_your_money]

power steering ha both adjustable non power has one solid one adjustable

Meaning the replacement should not be adjustable? The car does not have PS

[CRSMP5]

id buy a right side set up for the left...

[burn_your_money]

Aren't they offset? It would mess up the geometry would it not?