Recall - Tie Rod End Replacement: Overview
Code: ULSeptember, 1999
Subject:
1998/99 Volkswagen Passat Vehicles Replace Tie Rod Ends
Dear Volkswagen Dealer:
This is to inform you of the initiation of a voluntary safety recall involving some 1998 and 1999 model Volkswagen Passat vehicles. The recall involves the replacement of tie rod ends.
Problem Description
It is possible that the dust/moisture seals of the affected vehicles' tie rods may not seal properly resulting in premature wear.
Vehicle Identification Number Range
The vehicles affected by this recall are within the following vehicle identification number range:
Please note that the above VINs represent the lowest and highest serial numbers of affected vehicles. Use of the OTIS campaign inquiry system will allow you to determine whether or not a particular vehicle, within the above VIN range, requires the corrective work.
Note:
Volkswagen will not reimburse under this recall any duplicate recall repair work or a repair outside the VIN range.
Remedial Action
Replace left and right side tie rod ends.
Owner Notification Mailing
Volkswagen of America, Inc. will mail first class notification letters to all known owners of affected vehicles on or about September 21, 1999. A copy of the owner letter is enclosed in this circular.
Vehicle Allocation
By separate mail, we will furnish to you a computer list containing information for vehicles of owners who may reside within your area of responsibility.
Dealer Inventory Vehicles
Section 154(d) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 mandates that dealers correct, prior to delivery for sale or lease, any vehicle which falls to comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or which contains a defect relating to motor vehicle safety. It is, therefore, imperative that any vehicle in your dealer new or used car inventory, and showing the UL code in the OTIS system, is updated with replacement of the tie rods prior to sale.
Parts Availability
The customer letter indicates October 15, 1999 as the earliest date replacement parts will be available at Volkswagen dealerships. Subsequently, you cannot make service appointments until you have received your initial supply of replacement kits.
Parts Information
Prior to October 15, 1999 we will automatically ship to you an initial supply of replacement kits, part number 8D0 498 998A, based on your vehicle allocation count. Additional required parts must be ordered by you from your facing parts depot. Please refrain from over-ordering this kit; you may be required to return excess inventory.
Work Procedure
^ Lift vehicle on hoist
^ Remove both front wheels
^ Loosen lock nut holding tie rod end to tie rod
^ Remove bolt holding tie rod end (ball joint) in bearing housing, remove self-locking nut holding ball joint shaft and remove shaft out of bearing housing
^ Unscrew tie rod end from tie rod
^ Remove lock nut from tie rod end and install on new tie rod end from kit (8D0 498 998 A)
^ Screw new tie rod end into tie rod and tighten lock nut (40 Nm or 30 ft lb)
^ Insert ball joint shaft into bearing housing and secure with bolt (7 Nm or 62 in lb)
^ Install new self-locking nut (from kit) to secure ball joint shaft (50 Nm or 37 ft lb)
^ Repeat procedure on the opposite side of the vehicle
^ Reinstall both front wheels and tighten (120 Nm 89 ft lb)
^ Remove vehicle from hoist
^ Check and align front end
UL Data Entry Procedure
Time Requirements/Reimbursement
To ensure prompt and proper payment, be sure to enter claims only for vehicles which show the UL recall code in the OTIS campaign inquiry system on the day of repair.
Additional Campaigns
Some of the affected vehicles may also be involved in an additional corrective action(s). Please check the OTIS campaign inquiry system so that any additional work can be done simultaneously. Recall
Verification
For verification, always check the OTIS campaign inquiry system. The OTIS system is the only binding campaign inquiry and verification system; other systems are not valid.
Dealer Obligation
To ensure customer satisfaction, as well as minimize inconvenience to your customers, you are urged to service each vehicle at the scheduled service appointment time, offer and supply a loaner vehicle for the day, if necessary, and make sure that each vehicle is returned to the customer washed and cleaned inside. Do not let any customer wait longer than necessary for the recall repair service of the vehicle. Every effort should be made to reduce any inconvenience to customers.
Service Help
If you have any questions regarding this or any other recall or service action, please call (248)340-4734 or (248)340-4858.
Dealer Personnel Information
Please inform and/or provide a copy of this communication to every person in your dealership who has campaign-related responsibilities, including parts and accounting personnel.
Thank you for your cooperation.