If you haven't already done so, pull boot away from rack. Is the nut
tight and "locked" in place? (see pic)

Looking up at passenger side of my manual steering rack:

http://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/InnerTieRodEndDS.jpg

The nut should be similar or same on yours even if you have PS.

Once nut torqued to spec, the collar of nut is drifted into slot to
lock nut in place. To turn the nut, that part of collar has to be
punched back out.

If it were me, and nut was tight and locked, and there wasn't
excessive play, I'd leave it til I got the parts. But that's just me.
:)

AFAIK, if collar is punched back to allow nut to turn, if nut doesn't
turn tighter, then you can't really lock it safely again

Neil.

On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 11:17 AM, Paul <wognacious@gmail.com> wrote:
> I have a bit of play in the tie rod assembly. It's at the inside one, where
> it connects to the steering box, I assume that it is worn and needs
> replacing. Is it possible to tighten this up a bit until the new parts
> arrive on Tuesday? I need to be able to use the Vanagon until then.
> Any input would be greatly appreciated.
> TIA,
> Paul
>

--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines