Rear Knuckle Alignment Link: Service and Repair

Removal
1. Raise vehicle and remove wheel.
2. Press off ball joint on the wheel carrier using a commercially available ball joint extractor (tie rod extractor).
When loosening the locknut, hold it with special tool 9546 (Torx screwdriver).

Note Do not damage the boot of the ball joint when pressing off the ball joint. If necessary, coat the boot and the ball joint extractor with tire mounting paste.





3. Mark the position of the toe eccentric for re-installation. Remove the toe eccentric and pull out the tie rod.

Installation
1. Install in reverse order. Before installing, give all parts a visual check.

Note When replacing tie rods, pay close attention to the correct allocation. Install only identical tie rods - version A or B - on a vehicle.





For a detailed explanation - distinguishing characteristics and Spare Part No. - refer to "Tie rod replacement" (after installation instructions).
2. Replace fastening nuts.
Use correct tightening torques.
3. Perform a suspension alignment after installation.

Tie rod replacement
Only tie rods with harder rubber mounts (optimized tie rods with spherical mounts) version (B) - are still available from the Parts Service.
Introduction of the optimized tie rods in the current model year 1999 (X) in some cases, but generally from model year 2000 (Y).

Part No. of the optimized tie rod: 996.331.045.10.
These tie rods may be retrofitted - but only in pairs.

In general, the following applies: Only tie rods (toe control arms) of the same version - A or B - may be installed in a vehicle. In the case of replacement, replace both tie rods if necessary (install version B).

Visual distinguishing characteristics between tie rod versions A and B:





- The cast number.

- The metal bushing of the rubber mount.
On version A, the metal bushing of the rubber mount is flush with the tie rod.
On version B, the metal bushing of the rubber mount projects slightly - by approximately 1 mm - at both sides (arrow).