| Anyone knows that the car's steering system is | | | | The tie ball joint consist of an inner tie rod end and an |
| one of the most vital systems in cars. It allows you to | | | | outer tie rod end. The tie rod end transmits the force |
| control the direction in which your car could turn. The | | | | from the steering center link or the rack gear to the |
| steering system also allows you to manipulate the | | | | steering knuckle, which causes the wheels to turn. The |
| direction in which the car would be traveling. | | | | outer tie rod end is connected via an adjusting sleeve, |
| | | | | which allows the length of the tie rod end to be |
| The most conventional design for the steering system | | | | adjusted. The adjustment is critical, as it is used to set |
| is to have the wheels turn using a hand-operated | | | | the vehicle's toe which is a critical alignment angle. |
| wheel to steer. That wheel is connected to a steering | | | | |
| column, which is then connected to the wheels. The | | | | The tie rod clevis could be easily replaced, once they |
| steering column has several universal clevis, which is | | | | are worn out with some basic skills. A loose or worn |
| then used to make the column perform a number of | | | | tie rod end end can cause a feathered pattern on the |
| turns, specifically left and right. | | | | Volkswagen's wheels. You can detect a faulty tie rod |
| | | | | end end by raising the front end of the car, then |
| Most steering systems use the most simplest design: | | | | rocking it back and forth. If you detect free |
| the rack and pinion. The steering wheel turns a pinion | | | | movements, it means that the tie rod end ends are |
| gear, which runs along the rack (which is a linear gear | | | | worn. Worn tie rod end ends can cause the vehicle to |
| that meshes with the pinion) from side to side. The | | | | wander, have erratic steering control, and cause |
| movement creates a steering torque, which is then | | | | excessive tire wear. |
| applied to the wheel's kingpins through tie rod ends and | | | | |
| the steering arm, a kind of short lever. | | | | The Volkswagen's steering and suspension systems |
| | | | | should be regularly checked, at least once a year |
| | | | | alongside with a complete wheel alignment. Worn tie |
| The tie rod ends connect the end of the steering arm | | | | rod end ends can cause wandering, erratic steering |
| to the steering arm assembly. The Volkswagen tie rod | | | | and excessive tire wear. If the replacement of the tie |
| end is then connected to the steering arm through a | | | | rd is necessary, a wheel alignment is also required |
| threaded adjusting sleeve, which allows the length of | | | | because the ball joint replacement disturbs the toe |
| the tie rod ends to be adjusted. | | | | setting. For best results, consult a qualified service |
| | | | | technician for professional advice and service on your |
| The center link is connected to the steering knuckle on | | | | Volkswagen's suspension and steering system. |
| cars with a conventional suspension system and | | | | |
| recirculating ball steering gears through the tie rod ends. | | | | If you detect worn tie ends, rush to the nearest |
| On MacPherson strut suspension equipped cars and | | | | Volkswagen dealership to have it repaired. A faulty tie |
| rack-and-pinion steering gears, the tie rod ends | | | | rod end could mean a trip to the nearest hospital for |
| connect the rack's end to the steering knuckle. | | | | you or your loved ones. |
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