The OEM part is made from plastic that becomes very brittle with the engine heat. VW/Audi will not sell just the original item. An expensive new drive unit purchase is required. -only to get the same failure-prone junk again.
This linkage is built from a solid chunk of 6061-T651 aircraft grade aluminum on a 4 axis CNC. A Delrin insert is installed in the specially machined socket to precisely mate with the ball on the intake rod. This provides excellent lubrication and unmatched strength.
The plastic drive unit linkage which extends from the actuator up to the intake rod is replaced. That's shown with the yellow arrow. Installation involves unbolting the actuator from the engine. (Click here for DIY instructions.)
![](/images/intake-vr6-linkage-gruven.jpg)
Gently pry apart the two mating actuator halves (which snap fit together). Once apart, simply remove the plastic OEM linkage arm and replace it. Snap the 2 halves back together and reinstall on the engine. Additional parts to install now are these items :
VR6 Intake Manifold Bushings
Billet Drive Ball
Applications:
2.8L 12 V VR6 ENGINE - with AFP Engine Code (99-02 Golf/Jetta VR6) to replace the drive unit linkage p/n 071-133-759D (071133759D) on OEM VW rod p/n 021-133-653 (021133653)
2.8L 24 V VR6 ENGINE - BDF Engine Code (02 - present Golf/Jetta VR6) to replace the drive unit linkage p/n 022-133-759 (022133759) on OEM VW rod p/n 022-133-653 (022133653)
3.2L 24V VR6 Engines - ALL R32, 3.2 Touareg, 3.2 Eos, 3.2 A3, 3.2 TT to replace the drive unit linkage p/n 022-133-759A (022133759A) on rod p/n 022-133-653B (022133653B)