Rear tie rod bush

[Error404]

i recon you'd get enough interest to make it worthwhile mate, i'd have a set for the rear rods for a start.
I doubt it would be that hard for someone to make up some poly inserts with stainless sleeves if they had an old rod as a starting point, maybe £20-25 a set.

TBH the OEM rear tie rods are not a bad design its just ours have seen years of use.
I have just refurbed a set that was seized solid - blow torched the nut and joints to undo them, then I separated the rod into its two halves, took off the rubber boot by the adjuster and then used a rust remover on all the parts. Once i'd derusted and painted them back up, I packed the inner adjuster end with copper grease, then screwed the rod in as far as it would go - about 1/3 of the way.
Then I heated the rod in the oven at about 100degs - the greases softens and when you screw the rod in, it forces the softer runnier greases right back into the recesses and out of the shaft seal behind where the rubber boot covers - then you know its fully packed with grease. Smear some round the shaft and refit the boot. They should be good for another few years if properly protected from the elements with regular anti-seize paste on the threads



Out of interest Al, can you link me to the 034 mod for the front tie rods? Not seen that when I've been browsing before

[Jas11n]

Well i've got two sitting here I am refurbing and I wondered about new bushes for them - interestingly on one of the bushes I can read the last 5 and a half digits of a part number - that doesn't match the part number of the tie rods

Its either 024 504 or 924 504 if any of you part geeks can use that for anything? I'm sure the bush is in the VAG parts bin somewhere

What model did the arms come from Alex? might help pin them down in a search through the FA..
The ones mentioned by Goodall are indeed NLA, dropped without replacement 26 years ago (30/11/1982)

[Error404]

pretty sure they'll be off either a CQ20 or a V6Q Jase - probably a CQ20 i'd guess given the state the subframe was in, very old and rusty looking!

[stiglet]

Stab here...

240 ish dollars including postage, extra if you want tie rod ends too but i'm just gonna get these from GSF.

I'll send out some emails tonight about bushes for the rear.

[Error404]

Thanks Al - we need a bent one to clear the manifold / downpipe though don't we?

[stiglet]

Not sure, it is listed for an S2. Thats a good point though. I'll let you know if they fit!

Could just be for the S2 maybe?

[Error404]

i think it'll fit but be tight.... from memory there was a bit of clearance around the tubular manifold with the bent rod.

Have fun fitting them, its a complete PITA to get the rod ends into the bracket on the rack - have something to hand you don't mind smashing when rage gets the better of you!!

[Jas11n]

Can't find anything apart from two part numbers that were dropped without replacement.
I have an old rear tie rod, may just have a trip over to my local specialist and see if they have anything suitable from a VW.

The front tie rods arms on an S2 have a bend in one of them too, drivers side. Same part, same part number.

If any of you want a freshly refurbed original pair of complete front arms, MikeS2 does them on an exchange basis for a lot less (includes new tie rod ends and adjusters)

Jase..

[stiglet]

Just emailed Javad, he says the straight arms will fit fine.

Alex, i have had the tie rods off before. It's a real pain in the c*nt but I found the easiest way to do it was to take off the whole bracket assembly. What irritates me most is the 4 wheel alignment i'll have to pay for....... again!

[goodall]

id be up for a buying four poly bushes if there is a group as i think the front tie rod bushs are the same and that would hopefully make the steering abit less wooly with out making it harsh being as mines a road car and i have already done the from tie rods

[Error404]

Just emailed Javad, he says the straight arms will fit fine.

!

good news. I'll be interested to hear if/how they improve the steering feel

[stiglet]

Just got a reply from Powerflex, they said that they could make a batch order but it will be expensive. They've requested an original bush so they can take measurements. I'm not sure i have one spare

Also, can somebody confirm if the front inner tie rod bush is the same as the rear one? I think a polybush manufacturer would be more likely to make one if they new it had many more applications.

[stiglet]

Forgot to add, they will take measurements and see if any existing products match before they start making new ones, might save a lot of money

[goodall]

I have a spare bush kicking i could send you, and i could remove one my steering arms to se the bush is the same as my car has no engine in it atm and would be handy done...

how much is expensive?

[stiglet]

They haven't given me any figures yet, I think they will have to see the bush before they make any assumptions. The biggest factor will be how many they can sell. When/If I get figures i'll start a group buy thread.

I'll have a look in my store after work today and see if i can find a spare bush, If i can't find one i'll give you the address so you can forward it straight to them

Cheers!