Cheap Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Track Rod

Yes, all Mercedes-Benz Sprinters have a track rod as part of the front steering linkage — this applies across every engine size, payload rating, and body length the Sprinter has been offered in the UK. The Sprinter uses a conventional recirculating-ball steering setup (older generations) or a rack-and-pinion derived linkage (later generations), both of which include a track rod connecting the steering box or rack to the front hub. Because the Sprinter has always been rear-wheel drive (or optionally four-wheel drive), the front axle is a steered but non-driven unit, and the track rod is a consistent part of that system across the range.

The first-generation Sprinter ran from 1995 to 2006, and the second generation (W906) launched in 2006 and ran through to 2018, representing a significant redesign of the front axle and steering geometry. These two generations use different steering systems and the track rods are not interchangeable. If your van sits on the 2006–2018 generation, always confirm with the breaker that the part they have comes from a W906, not the earlier W901–905 series.

On the Sprinter, the number in the variant name (313, 316, 319 and so on) indicates the engine output and GVW banding, and for heavier-rated variants the front axle components — including track rod end geometry — can differ from lighter-rated versions. It is not safe to assume a part from a 313 CDI will be a straight swap onto a 319 CDI without checking. Always give the breaker your full registration number so they can confirm the correct specification against your van's actual plate and axle rating rather than the model name alone.

The third-generation Sprinter (W907) launched for the 2018 model year, so a 2018 and a 2020 vehicle should both fall within that same generation. However, 2018 was the changeover year and some vans registered in that period may still be late W906 stock, so it is worth confirming with the breaker which chassis code your van carries before assuming the parts match. Share your registration with the breaker and they can check this directly.

Body style and interior trim level do not affect track rod fitment on the Sprinter — the steering linkage is determined by the chassis specification, particularly the GVW rating and wheelbase, not whether the van has windows, seats, or a higher-grade fascia. What does matter is the payload/GVW band and the axle type, so focus on those details rather than whether the van is badged as a panel van or a Tourer. A good breaker will cross-reference your registration against the chassis data rather than the body description.

Yes — the Sprinter uses separate nearside (NS, left-hand side) and offside (OS, right-hand side) track rod assemblies or track rod ends, and these are not the same part. When contacting a breaker, make clear which side you need, using NS or OS, to avoid receiving the wrong component. If you are unsure which side has failed, a steering or alignment specialist can confirm this before you order.