Golf 4 Front Axle: Partial Replacement Guide

Hello everyone,

On my Golf IV TDI with 81 kW, manufactured in 01/98, I believe the front axle is quite worn out after approximately 220,000 km.
The mandatory staff gummies are new and have only eliminated the creaking sound.
Now, the rattling and the vague handling need to be eliminated.
Sure, I'd be happy to help with that. Could you please provide the text you would like me to translate from German to English?
1. Regarding the rattling noise - it seems to be coming mainly from the front right side - possibly the tie rods? Or could it be the control arm?
2. The vague handling - when I drive over tram tracks, it feels like the front axle is doing whatever it wants - it just feels kind of wobbly. My suspicion, again, is the tie rods.

I would actually like to have the tie rods and control arms replaced now - or is that pointless?


Sorry, that's a lot of text, but maybe you can give me a tip?


Best regards,
Andre

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

'PS: What is the approximate cost of such a change?'

Quote:

I would actually like to have the tie rods and control arms replaced now - or is that pointless?

It obviously depends on what you plan to do with the car.

First, you should check all the joints for play. Pay particular attention to the rear rubber-to-metal bushings of the control arms (which are often worn out), tie rod ends, and the lower ball joints.
There's actually no real need to replace the entire control arm. The rear rubber-to-metal bushings only cost €10.50 per side (genuine part), and replacing them (paying attention to the installation direction) takes about 15-30 minutes for both sides using a vise. The front rubber bushings last almost forever.
You should also check the stabilizer bar and the tie rods again.