Inner tie rod ends

[sporre]

Has anyone changed inner tie rod ends on a 2000 jetta? My repair manual explains how to change the outer ends, and that looks easy, but the repair shop (and tire wear) has told me that my inner ends are what need to be replaced. My manual does not talk about changing the inner ends. Is this difficult to do? The dealer and one shop I asked both said $500 to change them on both sides.

[veedubmechanic]

You need to buy an inner tie rod end tool made by "lisle". THere 59.00 here in MN. You can buy a whole inner/outer tie rod assembly for $35.00/side on www.pap-autoparts.com. They are pretty easy to replace if you just cut the old one in 1/2 and then use the special tool to loosen the inner end after you get the boot off.

[sporre]

Thanks for those great tips. I got it finished over the weekend before I read your post. Cutting the rod in half with a recip saw was a quick and easy way to get that tool over the inner end. Checker actually rented me that tool for free (with a deposit). Unfortunately, I bought the tie rod assemblies at the VW dealership for $99 apiece, which is way more expensive than your source.