Track/tie rod buying-how hard can it be??

[John W]

Guys

Took the 8v GTI for tracking yesterday. It didn't get done because the passenger side rod is bent and the end is seized onto the drivers! So I need to get a pair of rods. Tried several places who couldn't help because the application was "difficult" or the parts "special order"..I'm confused as to why!

I know from research that there are two types of PAS rack on the MK3. Mine appears to have a smooth outer casing, which I think makes it TRW as opposed to ZF-is that right? I assume from the answers I've already had that the rods are different in some way? Also, are the track rod ENDS all the same or are there two types of those too?

I just want to make quite sure I get the right parts before stripping everything down......
Cheers.

[GOLF-MK3-GTI]

Have you tried GSF? I know they stock TRW parts for the Mk3 as i bought some ball joints for my MK3 from them.

[ant_gti]

Ecp should be able to tell you what is fitted,as they did with mine which was trw

[John W]

Thanks chaps. Contacted a very helpful guy on eBay who checked and is supplying me with the correct parts, including the ends.

[boneybradley]

only 1 set of track rods for the mk3

(I have sold/changed lots over the years and they have all used the same part, internal thread: M 14 x 1,5 outside thread: M 12 x 1,5 ends)

[gasketface]

As above.All gti track rods are the same.The splines on the steering u/j shaft are the things that differ.

[John W]

All done. Two new rods with ends for £25 and a boot kit for £12, fitted and tracking done for £60. Less than £100 for the whole lot. Not too bad, I don't think.