Volkswagen Repair: 2000 VW Golf GL Inner Tie Rod Assembly Replacement, inner tie rod, cutoff wheel

Question
How do you remove the inner tie rod from the steering rack , on my 2000 Golf GL, std transmission, gas, 2 door?
THannks,
MIKE

Answer
Hey Mike;
That is not as easy a job as it sounds.  And, if you've gotten a look under there you can testify to that!  We have a special tool at the shop that is a long piece of pipe, with interchangeable wrench heads that lock into the end.  After you remove the outer tie rod completely, after you mark exactly how many threads deep it was(you may still need to realign the front end, but at least try to keep the geometry exactly the same),get a 25mm(I think) wrench insert for your tool, and loosen the inner tie rod.  If it's not too bent that is.  Sometimes it's necessary to cut the tie rod off first so we can get the tool in there.  If you don't have access to a tool like the one I referred to, then the only way is cut the tie rod off as close to the rack as possible, and then use standard(if close enough), or deep sockets of the correct size to loosen, and ultimately remove the rest of the tie rod.  Shop air, and a cutoff wheel make this easier.  Wear your safety goggles.  Getting the new one in tight enough could be a challenge though...try to find the tool.  It may be a rentable tool at the local rental shop.  Good luck, Mike.  Hope this helps out.