Author Topic: Mk2 tierod replacement with power steering? (Read 3688 times)

LeeG · « **on:** April 19, 2006, 01:19:36 am »

Hi, I need to do my tie rods. '91 Jetta with power steering.

Bently says that for Mk2 with power steering you take the rack out and mount in a vice so you can undo ends without torquing on the rack. And to drop rack, you support motor and remove rear mount. PITA!

Is there a shortcut for doing this with the rack in?

I am thinking about putting a suitable wrench on rack with the end of wrench propped up on blocks, then torqing against that. Maybe loosen rack so it can move around a bit first.

Any advice appreciated!

vwmike · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2006, 01:26:14 am »

As I recall on my Jetta, there was no flats on the end of the rack to put a wrench on....so what part are you supposed to clamp in the vice? I had to replace the entire steering rack as mine was bad, and it came with new inner tierods attached. Typically you can replace tierods in the car, though it is short on room. If you need to pull the rack then it is easiest to drop the subframe out of the way so you can get to the steering column connection and the power steering lines. Removing the subframe really isn't as difficult as it sounds.

LeeG · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2006, 01:45:31 am »

Picture in bentley says 'soft jawed' vice and shows it clamped to the toothed part of the actual rack.

Subframe eh? Starting to sound more like a w/e project than a evening project.

wyldman · « **Reply #3 on:** April 19, 2006, 09:16:28 am »

You can buy a special inner tie rod remover,which will remove the tie rod without disturbing the rack.

Or....take it to a shop who has one,most do.

LeeG · « **Reply #4 on:** April 19, 2006, 11:41:12 am »

Ok I have seen those tools, like a long pipe with a open end wrench thingy that slips into the end. So that would let you get onto the tierod to undo it, but how to you hang onto the rack to counter the tourqe of the tie rod? Is it common practice to just wrench away against the rack?

Bentley has been wrong before!

wyldman · « **Reply #5 on:** April 19, 2006, 06:20:09 pm »

Some cars will allow you to extend the rack,and you can get a large adjustable wrench on the flat part of the rack.

I have done lots of them without supporting the rack,and never had a problem.Sometimes you just can't get on it.

LeeG · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2006, 10:39:20 am »

To follow up in case someone else comes looking:

-Borrowed the 'inner tie rod' and 'front end service' tool sets from Canada Tire.
-Re & Re'd the inner tie rods without supporting the rack. Didn't have any problems, didn't seem to bother the rack at all.

Now looking forward to doing half the job again to replace the tie rod bellows boots that turned out to be in far worse shape than I thought. Grrr.