How to replace the Passat tie rod ends?
Determine which part of the Vw Passat tie rod has worn out. 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 Passat tie rod assembly or just the Vw Passat inner tie rod ends, we always recommend replacing the Passat tie rod boot (also called tie rod bellows). If you are replacing just the Passat tie rod end be sure to inspect the Passat tie rod boot for signs of aging. The Passat tie rod boot is plastic and prone to stress cracks. This is important preventative Passat tie rod end maintenance and can help prevent premature Passat tie rod end wear. Replacing the Passat tie rod boot at the same time as the inner tie rod end will also save you money in the long run. Too, it's important to note that there are two possible Passat tie rod boot sizes in the 1999 chasis. The vin splits given by Vw Passat are so close and have proved to incorrect in some instances. There is a 7.5" Passat tie rod boot and a 10" Passat tie rod boot in 1999 (see picture to right). Customers will need to verify which size they have. Please Note: This measurement should be made when the Passat tie rod boot is taken off the car and uncompressed. We've made this replacement easy by putting together a convenient kit which includes the Passat tie rod boot (bellow) which covers the Vw Passat inner tie rod end, securing clamps, securing bolt, and high pressure moly grease for lubrication the tie rod inner joint (see picture below).

In the event of a failure of Passat tie rod ends or assemblies, your Vw Passat parts specialist has the solution. Some original Passat tie rods 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 end can cause Passat tie rod end failure. Passat tie rod end failure reveals itself by squeaking and rattling along with a loose steering feel. BLAUfergnugen's improved Passat tie rod end version has eliminated the susceptible rubber element on the Passat 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 Passat tie rod ball pin and thus increased the load-capability. This increase on the Passat 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!

Do you have a loose Passat control arm, ball joint, or suspension rattle? Does your Passat front suspension clunk every time you hit a pothole? You may need to replace your Passat control arms and control arm bushings. Replacing Passat control arms one by one can cost a lot of money. You'll save big on installation costs when replacing all of your Passat control arms at once. If some of the control arms are on their way out, the others aren't far behind. You're better off getting the job done right the first time.

Save hundreds of dollars by replacing all of your Passat control arms, tie rod ends, sway bar links, and hardware with our convenient updated kit! In the event of an Passat control arm failure, look to the nation's leading Passat control arm specialist for the solution!