On my 96 A4 2.8l the front left(drivers side) axle shaft slides side to side about a 1/2" or so. the front right(passenger) side axle does not do this. I have also noticed that after driving a while the steering wheel will shake like the right front wheel will fall off. so i pull over and everything seems fine... then it doesnt do it for a while again. can this have somethine to do with the axle shaft or the control arms or tie rod? Is this normal?

 

Certainly not normal. Check the gearhub to see axle bolt is tighten, check to see if any suspension parts are bad.

 

Axle bolt seems tight. Outer Tie-Rob is shot and the axle shaft is going to need to be replaced. I can take the wheel and shake it back and forth sid to side and the arm that the outter tie-rod is on that goes in the Rack n Pinion moves back and forth. I am going to repalce the whole rack but does this sound like just the tie-rod or something inside the rack?

 

With 110K mi. , I had the outer tie rods replaced. It cost $450 including tax.
Use this link to find a good independent front end shop:

http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/findgsp9700.cfm

 

Its just the tie-rod ends.

Replace those both DIY for $100. Get the upgraded myle ends.

Then if you still have play, look deeper, but this is a common issue for the symptom you are having.

You'll need an alignment afterwards, unless you carefully count the threads and put them back on just the same, you might get away with it. Normally you'll need it aligned though.

 

450.............. I did it in 45 mins both sides, thats crazy way to much.........

 

outer tie rod ends 2 X 88.52 177.04
steering rack boot 2 X 15.76 15.76
clip 3 X 3.42 10.26
1.6 hours labor 1.6 X 79.91 127.86
four wheel alignment 69.00
tax 33.00

 

If you are going to do inner and outer tie rod ends, think about buying mine, I have an extra set (2X inner and 2X outer) brand new with boots. They are the HD upgraded Meyle ones from ECS.

https://www.audiforums.com/m_358913/tm.htm