Replacement of steering tips on ŠKODA Rapid: when to change and how to do it correctly

Steering tips are a critical element of suspension Škoda RapidIt depends not only on the comfort of management, but also on the safety of the road. Wear of these parts is manifested by the characteristic knock, backing of the steering wheel and deterioration of handling, especially on uneven roads. If you notice at least one of these symptoms, you can not pull with a replacement: worn-out tips can lead to loss of control of the car.

In this article, we will discuss how to determine the malfunction of the steering tips on the RapidWhat parts to choose (original or analogue), and also provide step-by-step replacement instructions taking into account the characteristics of the model. We will pay special attention to the typical mistakes that beginners make, and give recommendations for adjusting the collapse-descend after repair.

Signs of faulty steering tips on the Škoda Rapid

The first signs of problems with the steering tips are often ignored as they develop gradually. But there are key symptomsthat should alert you:

• 🔊 Knock in the front suspension when passing irregularities (especially clearly heard on small bumps or "lying police").
• 🚗 Steering wheel play - a gap of more than 10° when turning the steering wheel without a reaction of the wheels.
• 🔄 Uneven tire wear (especially along the inner or outer edge).
• 🛑 Pulling the car to the side When braking or moving in a straight line.
• 🔧 Creaks or clicks when turning the steering wheel in place.

On Škoda Rapid (especially models from 2012-2020) steering tips wear out on average through the 80–100 thousand kmBut that could be reduced to 50,000. km when driving aggressively or operating on bad roads. It is important to check the condition of the tips at each scheduled maintenance, as their destruction often leads to damage to the steering rack.

⚠️ Attention: If you feel the steering wheel waving or beating when driving at a speed of more than 60 km / h, stop driving immediately! This may indicate critical wear of the tip or its detachment from traction.

Which steering ends to choose for the Škoda Rapid: original vs analogues

When choosing spare parts for Rapid It is important to consider the generation of the model and the type of engine (affects the load on the suspension). Original tips from Škoda/VW have articles:

• 🔹 Left tip: 6Q0 423 807 A (until 2017) or 6Q0 423 807 C (after 2017).
• 🔹 Right tip: 6Q0 423 808 A (until 2017) or 6Q0 423 808 C (after 2017).

The cost of original parts is from 2,500 to 4,000 rubles per piece. However, there are proven analogues that are not inferior in quality:

Brand	Article (left/right)	Price, rub.	Features
TRW	JBJ750 / JBJ751	1 800–2 200	High quality rubber anthers, suitable for aggressive driving.
Lemförder	33405 01 / 33406 01	2 000–2 500	OEM supplier for VW Group, resource up to 120 thousand km.
Febi	23405 / 23406	1 500–1 900	Budget option, but anthers are less durable.
SASIC	2003001 / 2003002	1 200–1 500	Suitable for quiet driving, not recommended for heavy conditions.

When purchasing analogues, pay attention to quality of anthers - they must be elastic, without cracks, otherwise dirt will quickly get inside the tip. Also check the presence of lubricant in the ball finger (in the original details it is laid at the factory).

Tools and preparation for replacement of steering tips

To replace the tips with Škoda Rapid you will need a standard set of tools, as well as several specialized devices. Here's the full list:

• 🔧 Jack and stops (or lift).
• 🔨 Steering wheel end remover (required!) without it, the risk of damage to the thread.
• 🔩 Socket wrenches 16, 17, 19 and 21 mm.
• 🔧 Open-end wrenches 13 and 17 mm.
• 🔧 6 mm hexagon (To unscrew the thrust lock bolt).
• 🛠️ Hammer and pry bar (for the removal of the old tip).
• 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40 or Liqui Moly).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (for proper puffing).

Before starting work, complete the following steps:

Relax the wheel bolts on the dampened car |

Lift the car and fix it on the stops |

Clean the threaded joints of dirt with a metal brush |

Treat all bolts with penetrating lubricant 15-20 minutes before unscrewing |

Check for new nuts and splints complete with tips-->

If you are changing the tips for the first time, take a picture of the location of the thrusts and angles of the wheels installation - this will help to avoid errors during assembly. Prepare in advance, too. new nuts and splintsOlder ones are often deformed when dismantled.

⚠️ Attention: Never use a percussion tool (such as a pneumoguaykovirt) to unscrew the steering rods! This can cause damage to the thread or deformation of the landing place.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing steering wheel ends on a Škoda Rapid

The replacement process is the same for the left and right tips, but it is more convenient to start from the passenger side (there is more space for maneuvers). Follow the algorithm:

1. Removal of the wheel and access to the tip.
   

   Dodge the car, remove the wheel and clean the dirt from the steering thrust. Use it. 19 mm socket wrenchTo unscrew the nut of the tip attachment to the rotating fist (pre-remove the splint).

2. Dismantling the old tip.
   

   Set the camera and press your finger out of the seat. If there is no filmmaker, you can gently tap the hammer through a soft spacer (for example, a wooden bar), but this is risky! After removing the tip, turn it away from the steering thrust with the help of two 17 mm keys (One is holding the thrust, the other is unscrewing the tip).

3. Installing a new tip.
   

   Swipe the new tip on the thrust, but do not tighten it completely. Put your finger in the swivel fist and fix it with a new nut. Puffing with a dynamometer key with force 40–50 Nm.

4. Fixation and verification.
   

   Install a new splint, bend its ends safely. Repeat the procedure for the second tip. After assembly, check the back of the steering wheel and the absence of knocks.

Important nuance: on Škoda Rapid with electric power steering (EPS) after replacing tips it may be necessary reset adaptations via a diagnostic scanner (for example, VCDS or OBDeleven). Without this, the steering wheel can "whip" when cornering.

Adjustment of the collapse-descendance after replacement of tips

Replacement of steering tips always It requires subsequent inspection and adjustment of the collapse-descendance. Even if you carefully installed new parts, the slightest change in the length of the thrust leads to a violation of the angles of the wheel installation. Nana Škoda Rapid this shows up:

• 🚘 Uneven tire wear (especially the front ones).
• 🔄 Move the car aside when moving in a straight line.
• 🛞 Steering wheel vibration at speeds above 80 km/h.

The cost of adjusting the collapse-descendence on the stand is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles. If you decide to do it yourself, you will need:

• 📏 Laser or bubble level.
• 🔧 Adjusting washers (to correct the breakdown).
• 📐 Ruler or caliper to measure convergence.

Basic parameters for Škoda Rapid (front axle):

• 🔹 Camber: 0° ± 30' (admission to 1°).
• 🔹 Toe: 0° ± 10' (or 0-2 mm along the rim).
• 🔹 Custer: 1°30' ± 30' (Not regulated, only checked).

⚠️ Attention: If after adjustment the steering wheel is not in the center when moving in a straight line, check the symmetry of the installation of the tips. The difference in thrust lengths of more than 2 mm requires re-tuning!

What if you don’t do the slack after replacing the slacks?

Without adjusting the angles of installation of wheels are violated, which leads to:

Accelerated tire wear (resource is reduced by 2-3 times).

Increased fuel consumption (up to 5–7%) due to increased rolling resistance.

- Deterioration of exchange rate stability, especially at high speed.

- Risk of skidding with sharp braking or maneuvering.

Typical mistakes when replacing tie rod ends and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing tips with a new one. Škoda Rapid. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

1. Using the wrong type of camera.
   

   There are filmmakers. screw and hydraulic. For Rapid Only a screw version with a force of at least 3 tons is suitable. Hydraulic filmers often tear anthers.

2. Nut-nut-tightening.
   

   Puffing with more force 50 Nm It causes the seat to deform in the swivel fist. Use the dynamometer key!

3. Ignoring anther screening.
   

   Even new tips can have defective anthers. Before installation, compress it - if cracks appear, replace the part.

4. Failure to follow the unscrewing order.
   

   First, disconnect the tip from the swivel fist, and only then - from the thrust. In reverse order, you risk damaging the thread.

5. Lack of lubrication in the ball finger.
   

   In budget analogues, they often save on lubrication. Add before installation Liqui Moly LM 50 or similar grease.

Another common problem is rod length mismatch after the replacement. If you haven’t marked the position of the old tip, use a roulette to measure the distance from the center of the ball finger to the end of the thread on the traction. The difference between the left and right sides should not exceed 3 mm.

The cost of replacing the steering tips in the service vs self-repair

Price of replacement of tips on Škoda Rapid in service depends on the region and type of service station. On average the prices are:

Service type	Cost of work (for 1 tip), rub.	Cost of work (set), rub.	Opening hours
Official dealer Škoda	1 800–2 500	3 000–4 500	1.5–2 hours
Specialized car service	1 200–1 800	2 000–3 000	1–1.5 hours
Garage workshops	800–1 200	1 500–2 000	1 hour
Self-replacement	0 (spare parts only)	3,000-6,000 (parts)	2–3 hours

When you replace yourself, you save on work, but take into account the additional costs:

• 🔧 Renting a renter (If not) from 300 rubles per day.
• 🔧 Buying new nuts and splints - about 200 rubles.
• 🔧 Wheel alignment adjustment — 1,500–3,000 rubles.

In total, independent replacement will cost 4,500-9,000 rubles (including spare parts and fall-up), while in the service the amount will be 6,000–12,000 rubles. However, if you don’t have experience, the risk of mistakes (and additional costs) increases.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

❓ Is it possible to drive with worn tie rod ends?

⚠️ Absolutely not! Worn-out tips can detach from the thrust or swivel fist, which will lead to complete loss of control. This is especially dangerous at high speed or with a sharp maneuver.

❓ How often should I check the steering tips on the ŠKODA Rapid?

It is recommended to check their condition every 20,000 km Or the first signs of a malfunction (knocking, backlash). Also, inspection is mandatory after strong blows to the suspension (for example, after hitting the curb).

❓ Can only one tip be replaced?

Technically yes, but highly not recommended. The tips wear out about the same, and if one fails, the second will soon require replacement. In addition, the different rigidity of new and old parts worsens handling.

❓ Is it necessary to do a wheel alignment after replacing the tips?

✅ Definitely! Even a minimal change in the length of the thrust violates the angles of the wheels. Without adjustment, the tires will wear out unevenly, and the car can "take" away.

❓ What other parts of the suspension should be checked when replacing the tips?

Together with the tips, it is recommended to inspect:

- Steering rods (for backlash or corrosion).

- Steering rack boots (cracks or oil stains).

- Ball joints (Luft or anther ruptures).

- Wheel bearings (A hum or a slug when the wheel is swaying).