Running gear, axles, steering · Wheels, tyres, vehicle geometry · Wheel alignment
Checking maximum wheel lock
6R 2009–2014 This check is only necessary, if:
- the wheel locks differ by more than 2° from one another from the steering centre point,
- on one side there is contact between tyre and a front axle component or body at full lock,
- the left and right turning circles differ.
The distance between suspension link and tyres -arrow- must be equal at full wheel lock.
If the distances are unequal then this can be corrected by turning the left and right-hand track rods.
Example:
Left-hand wheel lock distance less than right-hand
- Loosen track rod lock nuts.
- Turn left-hand track rod (unscrew out of track rod ball joint).
- Turn right-hand track rod same amount in opposite direction (screw into track rod ball joint).
- Check complete toe.
Check total toe is still set to prescribed specifications after completing adjustments.
- Tighten lock nuts.
It is possible that the value will change slightly when lock nut -1- is tightened.
If the set value does not deviate by more than 2' from specification, the setting is OK.
After turning track rods, ensure that boots are not twisted.
6C 2014–2017 The maximum wheel lock is determined with the aid of the wheel alignment computer.
- When the values for the maximum wheel lock lie outside the tolerances, then check following:
- Are steering or suspension components damaged or deformed?
- Are track rods visually OK.?
- Is the symmetry of the track rods OK.?
Damaged components must be renewed.
- If the steering wheel is found to be off centre, check the following:
- Check steering components for damage and deformation. If necessary, renew damaged components.
- Check suspension components for damage and deformation. If necessary, renew damaged components.
- Check symmetry of track rods also.
- Measure dimension -a- of “shorter” track rod. Shorten “longer” track rod to same dimension. Screw track rod ball joint -1- deeper onto track rod -2-.
Dimension -a- must be the same on left side and right side track rod ball joints.
Maximum permissible difference between left and right < 2.5 mm.
- When returning steering to central position, “swivel” steering wheel with even movements.
Specified torques
| Component | Specified torque |
|---|---|
| 6R 2009–2014 Track rod lock nut (all vehicles except for GTI and R WRC) | 50 Nm |
| 6C 2014–2017 Track rod lock nut (all vehicles except for GTI and R WRC) | 70 Nm |
| Track rod lock nut (GTI and R WRC only) | 70 Nm |
The Polo 6C manual gives one torque, 70 Nm, for the track rod lock nut of every version; the Polo 6R manual 50 Nm, and 70 Nm for the GTI and R WRC only.
6C 2014–2017