How does one go about removing it from the steering rack?

Do I just need to get a gigantic (1.5") wrench?

Must I remove the shock/spring assembly?

voodoo?

If I had a better cutting tool I would have just hacked it off at the smallest diameter of the shaft and stuck a socket on the ****** but I don't have anything good for that here.

ideas?

Anyone have a pdf version of the shop manual?

 

You don't need to remove the strut. The VAG tool is a crow foot style open-end wrench with an extension that reaches out past the fender lip. And then it has a t-bar on it. That tool isn't necessary at all. You will need a BMF adjustable wrench. For a reason that only the VAG engineers can explain, the inner tie rod isn't 6-sided, it's 8-sided. So if you disconnected the outer and tried to slip a box-end wrench on the inner, it won't fit.

 

I assume this VAG tool will run about $300?

The 2 BMF adjustable wrenches I have were both too cumbersome to get into the space and manipulate. That being said they ARE pipe wrenches. I guess I'm heading to find an automotive adjustable.

I hate stupid special service tool crap. I have a feeling I am going to run into that way more than is acceptable on this car.....

 

This thing is globed in loc-tite, isn't it?