what to do next? 1996 passat with 272,000

I have 272,000 miles on the passat. I have never replaced the tie rod ends or ball joints ( but there isn't an indication that it is needed). I am getting ready to put new tires on and I was just wondering what the forum thought as far as preventitive maintenance...should I just replace the tie rod ends and ball joints because its been almost 9 years and 272,000 miles, or not? I'm interested in your opinion. Thank you.

Are your tie rods seized?

It would be a good idea to change them at the same time that you change your tires, because you can do an alignment at the same time.

When you have a front wheel off the ground, try to rock the wheel in various directions to feel for any looseness in the ball joint or the tie rods. (Don't confuse it with looseness that can be felt from the wheel bearings.)

If there's no sloppiness that can be felt, and the car drives straight down the road with no issues, you can just keep on going.

well--mines got 307,591 on it now--and as far as i can see--none of them have ever been replaced--and theyre still tight--cause i checked them about 4,000 ago----and ive got new lowers on hand--jic

sassyrel,

307k and counting is awesome, just out of curiousity how long and how many miles have you put on the wagon?

Thanks, kirk

Thanks for your replies. I keep expecting something to go wrong with the passat...and it hasn't. I still get over 40 mpg and it runs great! So I'll just put new tires on and get the alignment done at the same time. Thanks again.

bought it wrecked at 235,000--for some reason it ate two pistons at 306,000--so did pistons--in frame--and didnt touch the valves--still runs hard!!!!!now at 309,879