Second Hand Mercedes-Benz Citan Track Rod

Yes, the Citan uses a conventional front subframe with track rods (also called tie rods) as part of its steering setup, so this is a genuine part on the vehicle. The Citan is front-wheel drive and uses rack-and-pinion steering, which relies on track rods to connect the steering rack to the wheel hubs. You'll need one for the nearside (NS) or offside (OS) depending on which side has worn or failed.

The first-generation Citan ran from 2012 to 2021 on the W415 platform, while the second-generation W420 arrived from 2022 onwards on a new Mercedes-developed platform — these are substantially different vehicles and track rods from one generation are very unlikely to fit the other. You should source a track rod matched to your specific generation and confirm the part number with the breaker against your registration. Never assume cross-generation fitment on a major platform change like this.

The Citan was offered in different payload variants, and while the steering geometry is broadly shared, heavier-rated variants may have different suspension and steering component specifications to cope with the additional load. It's worth checking the plate on your van for its GVW rating and confirming this with the breaker when sourcing a used track rod, rather than relying solely on the model name. This is especially relevant if you're comparing a lightly loaded Citan against a higher-GVW Citan Tourer or cargo variant.

Trim level and interior specification do not affect track rod fitment, as this is a mechanical steering component unrelated to cosmetic or comfort differences between variants. What matters is the generation (W415 or W420), the payload rating, and whether you need the nearside or offside rod. Confirm the correct side and generation with your breaker against your registration number to be sure.

Both a 2018 and a 2020 Citan sit within the first-generation W415 range (2012–2021), so these vehicles share the same fundamental platform and track rod fitment is much more likely to be compatible than across generations. However, you should still confirm the part number with the breaker against both registrations, as minor running changes can occur within a generation. Never guarantee a fit without cross-referencing the actual part numbers.

For the Citan, engine size is unlikely to be the primary factor in track rod selection, as the steering geometry is driven more by the van's weight rating and platform generation than by whether it has a smaller or larger engine. That said, always confirm against your specific registration with the breaker, as differences in front axle loading between engine variants could in theory influence component specifications. Giving the breaker your full registration is the safest way to ensure you're quoted the right part.