Hey guys,

Car Deets:
2001 VW Golf GTI (AGU engine)
VIN: WVWZZZ1JZ1P555059

I am getting ready to do a suspension refresh and contemplating whether I should do the ball joints and inner/outer tie rods while I am at it for the sake of completeness.

I have done the 'test', where I have jacked up both front sides of the car and tried to gyrate the front wheel horizontally and vertically. I must admit there was no obvious movement. The rubber boots around the ball joints and outer tie rods are also intact.

Questions:
  • When the ball joints and tie rods are worn, is it quite an obvious movement of the wheel?
  • How often does the inner tie rod need to be changed? Or is it mainly the outer tie rod that wears out?


Can I please confirm these part numbers are correct?
  • Ball joint - 1J0407365C (Same for both sides)
  • Left/right complete tie rod - 1J0422803H/1J0422804H


It is going to cost $100 for the ball joints and inner/outer tie rods, but I don't have the special tool to remove the inner tierod. That is another $50. Unless someone in Canberra has one to lend me?

Any other advice is welcome.

Thanks