Few things can be said about the Volkswagen which don't include the words "and then I fixed it". Saturday I managed to knock a few more to do items from my list by replacing a set of bad tie rod ends on the Passat. The car started to feel uneasy a few months back and I noticed that I had to apply more counter steer (turning the steering wheel to one side) in order to keep the car driving straight. The steering also felt generally loose instead of crisp as you'd expect and would rattle a bit over severe bumps.

Long story short I spent around 2 hours removing the old one and replacing them with new, slightly upgraded tie rod ends. Then with the help of my dad and his specially constructed "laser alignment kit" we set the toe and everything was good to go. I immediately noticed a difference and was incredibly surprised to find the steering wheel settled into a nearly perfect position. I still plan to have the car realigned but at this point it's not a pressing matter. Thankfully this was and straightforward change and easy enough to accomplish without taking all day.

Over two days

Quick update on the Passat generator repair. Friday night I managed to put the car in the "service lock position" which consists of tearing down the bumper cover and removing about twenty screws and bolts. Saturday I took the generator, which I'd removed the night before, to AutoZone and they confirmed it was bad. Luckily I'd convinced them to order a replacement in advance so they quickly swapped out the parts and I headed home. Later that evening I replaced the unit and reassembled the car. All in all about five hours for the job plus the extra hour or so I spent checking for bad grounding connections.

I'm still waiting on my next shipment of parts to arrive but I already have the CV Joint / Axle assembly ready for the change out on the 5th. The plan is to "borrow" my dad's lift to make the job easier and to replace a return hose on the power steering reservoir and an ABS wheel speed sensor. Thought I was kidding about the car maintenance issues huh? So were my neighbors but now they've started to deride the Volkswagen and calling me Mr. Goodwrench.

Ahh, what the hell I'll take it

Well I have the Passat back from the body shop and wouldn't you know it the battery light is on once again. Either something was knocked loose during the repair or the alternator is bad. More to come as it develops.

Simply put: I have no luck with this vehicle

It was bound to happen, but did it have to happen so quickly? This morning after dropping my daughter at daycare I had an unfortunate run-in with a small deer. After no more than 24 hours back on the road the Passat is once again in the shop though thankfully under the wrench of another, more skilled, crash repair expert.

I still need to take the car to the body shop for an estimate but according to my insurance agent I should be covered save for a $100 deductible. It may seem like bad luck that the Passat has once again suffered major trauma but surprisingly the vehicle is still functional. With the exception of a busted passenger side mirror everything works including both the headlight and turn signal which have busted lens covers. Despite the oil leaks and frequent component failure this car is a tank. It has never left me stranded on the side of the road.