Product Description
The STARK Track rod end (SKTE-0280032) is an original-equipment-quality steering linkage component manufactured by STARK. Positioned on the outermost ends of the front steering gear assembly, its primary function is to couple the inner tie rod axial shafts directly to the front wheel steering knuckles (hubs). As the steering rack moves left or right, this outer ball joint pivots smoothly across multiple axes to translate that linear motion into precise wheel rotation, all while accommodating continuous suspension vertical travel. Built with a induction-hardened steel ball stud and enclosed in a low-friction polymer socket, this track rod end eliminates steering wheel play and maintains stable front wheel alignment.
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: STARK
- Item Number: SKTE-0280032
- Product Condition: New
- Component Classification: Outer Steering Tie Rod End / Track Rod Ball Joint
- Fitting Position: Front Axle, Left or Right (Symmetrical design fits either side)
- Length [mm]: 75
- Inner Thread Size [mm]: M14 x 1.5 (Female thread matching the inner axial rod rod connection)
- Outer Thread Size [mm]: M12 x 1.5 (Male thread on the tapered stud matching the steering arm knuckle)
- Cone Pitch / Taper Diameter [mm]: 14
- Material: Forged and surface-treated carbon steel alloy with a high-flexibility chloroprene rubber dust boot to lock out moisture and road grit
Vehicle Compatibility
This straight M14 track rod end configuration is a precision chassis fitment standard utilized across iconic first and second-generation Volkswagen Group (VAG) vehicles, along with classic Porsche and Volvo passenger platforms from the 1970s through the late 1990s:
| Car Model | Compatible Steering Variants | Engine Displacements | Year of Manufacture |
|---|---|---|---|
| VW Golf I (17) / Jetta I (16) / Convertible (155) / Scirocco | Manual & Power Steering Racks | 1.1 / 1.3 / 1.5 / 1.6 / 1.8 / 1.6 D | 1974 - 1993 |
| VW Golf II (19E, 1G1) / Jetta II (19E) | Standard Manual & Power Steering (Note chassis break restrictions) |
1.3 / 1.6 / 1.8 / 1.8 GTI / 1.6 D / 1.6 TD | 1983 - 1992 |
| VW Transporter T3 Bus / Platform / Van | Standard Manual Steering Units | 1.6 / 1.9 / 2.0 / 2.1 / 1.6 D / 1.7 D | 1979 - 1992 |
| Porsche 924 / 944 | Naturally Aspirated & Turbo platforms (Shared VAG front suspension components) |
2.0 / 2.5 / 2.7 / 3.0 S2 | 1975 - 1991 |
| Volvo 340-360 (343, 345, 344) | Saloon & Hatchback steering layouts | 1.4 / 1.6 / 1.7 / 2.0 / 1.6 D | 1976 - 1991 |
⚠️ VAG Chassis/Year Fitment Warning: On the Volkswagen Golf MK2 platform, this tracking joint fits early manual steering setups or vehicles featuring specific steering rack manufacturers. Later production versions and high-performance models (such as the Golf MK3 or Passat B3/B4 with "Plus" wide-track suspension) swapped to asymmetric curved left-and-right specific ends with different thread dimensions. Always visually verify if your old part is straight or curved before unthreading it. Worn outer joints introduce heavy tyre shoulder scrubbing and steering vagueness. A wheel alignment is mandatory immediately following track rod end installation.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Reference Numbers
This premium replacement outer steering joint matches or directly substitutes for the following factory original equipment catalog part codes:
- VAG (VW / AUDI / SEAT / SKODA): 171 419 811, 171419811, 171 419 812, 171419812, 251 419 811, 251419811, 3A0 422 811A, 3A0422811A
- PORSCHE: 477 419 811, 477419811, 944 347 333 00, 94434733300
- VOLVO: 3211955, 3265974