While completing parts for refreshing the front suspension elements, I bought new steering rods with boots. I got the rubber boots in a TRW set – they’re made by the same manufacturer that produces OE boots (buying the TRW box gets you the complete set, with the only difference being the VW logo is burnt off). I chose Lemforder rods because I like their modification of the wrench placement (which is normally in the middle and it’s not that wide).
TRW JBE210 Set
Steering rack boot set with clamps, clips, and grease.
Product code: TRW JBE210
Steering rack boots (Bellows)
OE part number: 6Q0423831D
Spring Clamp
OE part number: 6Q0423933B
Hose Clamp
OE part number: N10312301
Steering Rack Grease
OE part number: G052168A1
Lemforder Rod 38423 01
Product code: 3842301 / 38423 01
The steering rods are identical on both sides of the car (if we buy them without tie rod ends, there’s no difference), so we need 2 pieces. In the case of Lemforder, they come with the N10218708 nut included.
Steering Rod
OE part number: 6RD423810
Hexagonal Nut
OE part number: N10218708
Edit: As it turned out later, my current rods with about 76K km mileage are still in good condition, so I only replaced the tie rod ends. For now, the rods will wait on the garage shelf 🙂
Price
I paid 136 PLN in total – the TRW JBE210 boot set cost 35 PLN, and two Lemforder rods were 101 PLN.
With OEM parts from the dealer, it would have been more expensive:
- 2 * nut N10218708 at 14 PLN each (28 PLN total)
- 2 * steering rod 6RD423810 at 244 PLN each (488 PLN total)
- 2 * rubber boot 6Q0423831D at 63 PLN each (126 PLN total)
- 2 * clamp 6Q0423933B at 12 PLN each (24 PLN total)
- 2 * hose clamp N10312301 at 33 PLN each (66 PLN total)
- grease G052168A1 10g for 61 PLN
The complete set from the dealer would have cost me 793 PLN, which is 692 PLN more expensive. For these types of wear parts, in my opinion, there’s no point in buying from the dealer – the same rubber boots (just with the VW logo burnt off) cost almost a hundred more at the dealer and require buying additional clamps and bands separately.
After completing the replacement, don’t forget to get a wheel alignment done!
