OVERVIEW
Genuine M8 self-locking hardware for original fastening positions
The N-022-146-4 Genuine VW/Audi self-locking hex nut secures the matching original threaded fastener at the applications shown below. The confirmed positions include exhaust joints and the listed Vanagon manual shift-lever attachment. Exhaust joints need sound hardware to maintain the clamping load that holds the adjoining components together. A damaged nut can make a correctly positioned pipe difficult to tighten or service. This listing supplies one nut; the bolt or stud, gasket and adjoining exhaust components are purchased separately.
On the listed manual Vanagon, the nut retains the external shift ball or lever on the gearbox selector shaft. Inspect the lever, shaft threads and specified washer when servicing that attachment. A loose lever can contribute to excess linkage movement, while worn linkage components require their own repair. Follow the gearbox-specific assembly and tightening procedure.
Technical details
- Original part number: N-022-146-4 / N0221464.
- Nominal thread diameter: M8.
- Design: self-locking nut with an external hex for tool engagement.
- Quantity: one nut per item ordered. Order the quantity required by the specific joint.
- Application: original exhaust or shift-lever fastening positions identified in the fitment table. Confirm the exact part number at the mounting point before ordering.
A matching nominal diameter alone does not establish interchangeability. The locking design, thread specification and factory attachment requirements must also match. The product photograph shows the actual archive part; appearance does not establish a material grade, coating specification or tightening torque.
Common reasons to replace this nut
- Rounded wrenching surfaces: repeated service or an incorrectly seated tool can damage the hex and prevent reliable removal or tightening.
- Damaged or seized threads: corrosion, cross-threading and heat exposure at an exhaust joint can damage the nut or the mating stud.
- Reduced locking effectiveness: replace self-locking hardware when required by the factory repair procedure instead of assuming a previously removed nut will retain its specified locking performance.
- Missing hardware during repair: a downpipe, manifold or catalytic-converter service may reveal an absent nut or an unsuitable replacement fastener.
An exhaust leak, rattle or loose joint requires inspection of the complete connection. A replacement nut cannot repair a fractured stud, distorted flange, worn mounting surface or failed gasket. Correct those conditions before reassembly.
Fitment data sheet
| Vehicle | Model years | Engine | Configuration | Application restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi TT | 2000–2005 | 1.8L turbo four-cylinder gasoline, 180 hp | Mk1 Coupe / Roadster; quattro; Roadster from 2001; Transmission not separately restricted by the cited attachment application | Downpipe-to-catalytic-converter fastening. Requires the original N-022-146-4 nut specification; not every fastener on these vehicles uses this part. |
| Audi TT | 2001–2006 | 1.8L turbo four-cylinder gasoline, 225 hp | Mk1 Coupe / Roadster; quattro; Transmission not separately restricted by the cited attachment application | Downpipe-to-catalytic-converter fastening. Requires the original N-022-146-4 nut specification; not every fastener on these vehicles uses this part. |
| Audi TT | 2004–2006 | 3.2L VR6 gasoline | Mk1 Coupe / Roadster; quattro; Transmission not separately restricted by the cited attachment application | Downpipe-to-catalytic-converter fastening. Requires the original N-022-146-4 nut specification; not every fastener on these vehicles uses this part. |
| Volkswagen Beetle | 2012–2014 | 2.5L five-cylinder gasoline | A5 Coupe / Convertible; Convertible from 2013; Transmission not separately restricted by the cited attachment application | Downpipe-to-manifold fastening. Requires the original N-022-146-4 nut specification; not every fastener on these vehicles uses this part. 2014 applies only to vehicles retaining the original 2.5L engine before the engine change. |
| Volkswagen Rabbit | 2006–2009 | 2.5L five-cylinder gasoline | Mk5 Hatchback; Transmission not separately restricted by the cited attachment application | Downpipe-to-manifold fastening. Requires the original N-022-146-4 nut specification; not every fastener on these vehicles uses this part. |
| Volkswagen Golf | 2010–2014 | 2.5L five-cylinder gasoline | Mk6 Hatchback; Transmission not separately restricted by the cited attachment application | Downpipe-to-manifold fastening. Requires the original N-022-146-4 nut specification; not every fastener on these vehicles uses this part. |
| Volkswagen Jetta | 2011–2015 | 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline | Mk6 Sedan; excludes GLI and TDI; Transmission not separately restricted by the cited attachment application | Original M8 exhaust nut positions; confirm the attachment in the original parts diagram. Requires the original N-022-146-4 nut specification; not every fastener on these vehicles uses this part. |
| Volkswagen Passat | 2012–2014 | 2.5L five-cylinder gasoline | NMS Sedan; original 2.5L engine only; Transmission not separately restricted by the cited attachment application | Downpipe-to-manifold fastening. Requires the original N-022-146-4 nut specification; not every fastener on these vehicles uses this part. |
| Volkswagen R32 | 2004 | 3.2L VR6 gasoline | Mk4 Hatchback; 4Motion; Transmission not separately restricted by the cited attachment application | Downpipe-to-catalytic-converter fastening. Requires the original N-022-146-4 nut specification; not every fastener on these vehicles uses this part. |
| Volkswagen Vanagon | 1991 | 2.1L water-cooled gasoline | Vanagon; rear-wheel drive; 4-speed manual; original 091/1 shift lever | Original external shift ball / lever retaining nut, position 11 in Weddle diagram. One M8 self-locking nut; retain specified washer. Confirm installed gearbox and lever; excludes automatic transmissions. |
| Volkswagen Vanagon | 1991 | 2.1L water-cooled gasoline | Vanagon Syncro; four-wheel drive; Original Syncro manual gearbox | Original external shift ball / lever retaining nut, position 11 in Weddle diagram. One M8 self-locking nut; retain specified washer. Confirm installed gearbox and lever; excludes automatic transmissions. |
Installation and ordering notes
Match this exact original number to the vehicle identification number, engine and fastening position. Inspect the bolt or stud threads and the flange surfaces before fitting the nut. Follow the factory sequence and torque for that specific joint; tightening values vary by application. Do not use an engine-wide or model-wide generic torque. Follow the repair procedure regarding lubrication, thread preparation and replacement of self-locking hardware. Where more than one nut is used, order enough to service the complete attachment.
The table identifies confirmed attachment profiles rather than every nut on each model. Engine swaps, aftermarket exhaust assemblies and modified brackets can change the required hardware. Check the installed components when the vehicle has been modified.