Volkswagen Jetta Center (Drag) Link Replacement Costs

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Center (Drag) Link Replacement Service

How much does a Center (Drag) Link Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Volkswagen Jetta Center (Drag) Link Replacement is $288 with $193 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
1993 Volkswagen JettaL4-1.9L Diesel	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$716.75	Shop/Dealer Price$867.81 - $1287.26
2009 Volkswagen JettaL4-2.0L Turbo	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$686.75	Shop/Dealer Price$837.84 - $1257.31
1999 Volkswagen JettaL4-2.0L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$686.75	Shop/Dealer Price$837.84 - $1257.30
2005 Volkswagen JettaL5-2.5L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$686.75	Shop/Dealer Price$837.80 - $1257.24
2004 Volkswagen JettaL4-2.0L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$686.75	Shop/Dealer Price$837.86 - $1257.34
2010 Volkswagen JettaL5-2.5L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$686.75	Shop/Dealer Price$837.84 - $1257.30
2009 Volkswagen JettaL5-2.5L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$694.25	Shop/Dealer Price$845.13 - $1264.44
1997 Volkswagen JettaV6-2.8L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$536.79	Shop/Dealer Price$648.87 - $950.50

Show example Volkswagen Jetta Center (Drag) Link Replacement prices

What is the Center (Drag) Link all about?

The center link, also known as a drag link, converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle into the corresponding direction of the wheels when turning. You can find the drag link connected to the pitman arm, which attaches to the steering column. The other end of the drag link connects to the steering arm and eventually to the tie rods, which play a major part in pivoting the wheels that steer the vehicle.

In some vehicles, the drag link connects directly to the tie rod assembly via a ball joint instead of to a steering arm. Drag links come in either a solid single-piece or as an adjustable design.

Keep in mind:

In addition to the drag link, our expert mechanic will also check the ball joints connecting the drag link to the pitman arm and the steering arm or tie rod assembly for wear or cracking.
Many drag links feature replaceable ends so you do not have to replace the whole part.
One of our expert mechanics will also inspect the shocks and struts when checking the drag link to make sure these parts remain in good shape.

How it's done:

The vehicle front wheels are turned straight and the vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands
The defective center drag link is removed
The new center drag link is installed
The vehicle is removed from jack stands
The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper steering operation

Our recommendation:

By following your vehicle's regular maintenance schedule, you should have the linkage beneath the vehicle, including the drag link, inspected whenever you have the vehicle lubed. Most often, though, today's ball joints, tie rods, and other parts are sealed and require little to no maintenance. In this case, have one of our expert mechanics inspect the drag link when performing a tire rotation or change, a vehicle alignment, or whenever your vehicle displays symptoms that might indicate a problem is developing with the drag link or any of its related components.

When inspecting the drag link, the mechanic will look for any excessive play, a strong indicator that the part needs replacing.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Center (Drag) Link?

Vibration while driving
Wobbling while driving

How important is this service?

The drag link is an important component in the operation of your vehicle. A faulty drag link can cause your vehicle to vibrate or wobble while driving, affecting the handling, stability, and alignment of the vehicle, making it more difficult to drive. If the faulty drag link is not replaced, the vehicle will eventually become inoperable.

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Jimmy

29 years of experience

186 reviews

Jimmy

29 years of experience

by Chris

Volkswagen Jetta L4-2.0L Turbo Diesel - Oil Change - Charlotte, North Carolina

Jimmy and his partner arrived on time, in fact a little early. It took them a little longer than I would have expected to change the oil- around an hour. They didn't seem to be too familiar with my car type. The only complaint I have is that they weren't able to reset the service alert on the car and put a sticker in the window instead, although the mileage on the sticker was for only 3000 miles despite them having put synthetic oil in which typically lasts 2-3 times that long.

Zave

17 years of experience

41 reviews

Zave

17 years of experience

by Daniel

Volkswagen Jetta L5-2.5L - Crankshaft Position Sensor - Concord, North Carolina

Very efficient.. Was nice and did an amazing job. Would work with him again and recommend him to everyone

Brett

25 years of experience

213 reviews

Brett

25 years of experience

by Donald

Volkswagen Jetta L5-2.5L - Wheel Bearings Replacement (Driver Side Rear) - Charlotte, North Carolina

Great work. Easy and convenient. Very knowledgeable and experienced.

Pete

16 years of experience

192 reviews

Pete

16 years of experience

by Bill

Volkswagen Jetta L5-2.5L - Oil Change - San Diego, California

Pete did an awesome job. Im glad i took the chance calling for a monile mechanic.

Excellent Rating

(1,554)

Rating Summary

1,440

57

16

17

24

1,440

57

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17

24

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