Improved VW Passat Tie Rods

This article will briefly discuss VW Passat tie rods. The inner tie rod, outer tie rod ends and tie rod assemblies? We will also discuss how to determine if your tie rod is loose, which part of your tie rod to replace and how to replace them?

How to determine which part of the VW Passat tie rod has worn out?

VW Passat Tie Rods

Three Passat tie rod end scenarios could exist:

  1. The tie rod could be loose at the outer ball joint end. If the outer tie rod end is loose you can just replace this portion of the Passat tie rod.
  2. The tie rod could be loose in the internal link that is embedded in rubber (see Image 2). If this internal tie rod link is loose you can just replace the outer Passat tie rod end.
  3. The tie rod could also be loose at the inner joint beneath the tie rod boot. If the inner tie rod end joint is loose, replace the entire Passat tie rod assembly. However, if the outer tie rod end was recently replaced, you may just wish to replace the inner Passat tie rod end.

When replacing the entire VW Passat tie rod assembly or just the inner VW Passat tie rod ends, we always recommend replacing the tie rod assembly boot (also called tie rod bellows). If you are replacing just the Passat tie rod end be sure to inspect the VW Passat tie rod boot for signs of aging. The 4Motion tie rod boot is plastic and prone to stress cracks. This is important preventative tie rod assembly maintenance and can help prevent premature Passat tie rod wear. Replacing the tie rod boot at the same time as the inner tie rod end will also save you money in the long run. We've made this replacement easy by putting together a convenient kit which includes the Passat tie rod boot (bellow) which covers the inner tie rod end, securing clamps, securing bolt, and high pressure moly grease for lubrication the tie rod inner joint.

In the event of a failure of a tie rod assembly or tie rod ends, your parts specialist has the solution. Some original Passat tie rod assemblies have a link in between the ball joint and the tie rod end which is embedded in rubber (see OEM Version in Image 2). Thanks to power steering, drivers no longer feel the great force caused when turning the steering wheel. These forces create significant surface pressure on the Passat tie rod end ball pin in the bearing shell. Continuous or extreme dynamic strain as well as corrosion on the tie rod assembly can cause Passat tie rod end failure. Passat tie rod assembly failure reveals itself by squeaking and rattling along with a loose steering feel. Blauparts™ improved Passat tie rod assembly version has eliminated the susceptible rubber element on the 4Motion tie rod end, replacing it with a full metal version with minimum or no increase in steering vibration. Another big tie rod end improvement is the enlarged diameter of the 4Motion tie rod ball pin and thus increased the load-capability. This increase on the 4Motion tie rod end ball joint diameter is from 22mm to 27mm which translates into longer tie rod service life. We have them available at a great price!

Blauparts can save you up to 80% on new and improved Passat and Passat 4Motion tie rod ends and tie rod assemblies. We carry a full line of German and European Passat 4Motion tie rods at great prices. Plus, our years of 4Motion tie rod removal and repair experience can save you time and money with our 4Motion tie rod boot kits and tie rod assemblies. Everything you need to replace your front Passat 4Motion tie rods and fix your VW suspension problems.