B4 Tie Rod: Function & Purpose Explained

Hi.
After receiving a suggestion in another thread, where I had mentioned the possibility of a broken tie rod end or a defective strut mount, I received a comment pointing to a potential defect in the stabilizer link. This led me (and now you) to question the purpose or function of these stabilizer links.

So: What is the purpose of the tie rod, and how does it work? What are the symptoms of a faulty tie rod? How is it replaced?
If anyone has photos of that, it would be great.

Thank you and best regards.
Hermann.

The stabilizer bar connects to the wheel suspension via a tie rod.
The stabilizer is a U-shaped 'rod' that counteracts the tendency of a wheel to dip in on one side, while not significantly hindering the normal, even dipping on both sides. This helps to counteract the vehicle's tendency to lean outwards in curves.
In earlier models (e.g., Golf 1 and 2), the stabilizer (as it is affectionately called ) was simply attached to the lower control arm and the lateral links.
In the current models, it is located higher up in the engine compartment and is connected to the wheel suspension (specifically, to the shock absorber located below the spring) via tie rods.

Hi Wolfgang.

Okay, so it's just a different type of mounting compared to the 'old' rubber bushings found in cars like the Golf. It definitely has nothing to do with my problems when starting the car.

Thank you.
Hermann.

palmstrollo wrote:

That definitely has nothing to do with my problems when starting.

I would also say that...

Hmm, so, Hermann...

Okay, here's a simple question/equation:

B4 + Winter tires + outdoor temperature around 0°C + wet conditions = traction problems.

Do you think that will work, before you realize that your volume knob on the radio is underweight...?

@Julian
'Smart aleck. No one will be surprised if he experiences traction problems when starting off and accelerating hard with this setup.'
However, if even gentle acceleration in wet conditions causes the front wheels to spin (which was already a problem during the summer!), then that's definitely something worth investigating, right?
I believe I also expressed that in the relevant thread.

Regards,
Hermann.

@Julian
'Smart aleck. No one will be surprised if he experiences traction problems when starting off and accelerating quickly with this setup.'
However, if even gentle acceleration in wet conditions causes the front wheels to spin (which was already a problem in the summer!), then that's definitely something worth investigating, right?
I believe I also expressed that in the relevant thread.

Regards,
Hermann

Hm, you're the one who's being a jokester, but I guess there has to be someone like that.

What kind of tires are you using (size, brand)?

Tire size 205/60, mounted on a 10-spoke series wheel. These are Barum budget tires.
Why?

However, this problem has also been occurring for 1 1/2 years, even with winter tires or Uniroyal summer tires.

Should I retrofit EDS?

With the ABS/EDS unit and the corresponding ABS control module, you should be able to find a solution. Perhaps you can find a used one.