Tie Rod Question
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4
Tie Rod Question
Hey gang, have a question/issue with my local Audi/Porche service department.
I went in today for a few minor fixes (running light out, oil change). And after waiting about 2 hours, the service guy and the mechanic take me out back and try to show me that the steering tie rods are worn down and need to be replaced. The mechanic grabs the wheel (on both sides) and shows that it's wobbly and loose, and the rods must be replaced otherwise it could be very dangerous to drive with. I admit, the wheels didn't look very solid when he was jerking em around, but the car drives just fine! It doesn't pull one way other the other, I don't have any bad vibrations, and my tires aren't wearing abnormally. The car is old, 1997 A4 2.8 Quattro, but it only has 55k miles on it...which were very easy miles to boot.
So getting to my question...Does this sound like a legitimate wear n' tear part that need replacing at 55k miles...despite no noticable allignment miscues or steering problems? Is it a part that could be fixed maybe instead of replaced? And if not, is this possibly something I could replace myself if I bought the parts? They quoted me $75 per tie rod; so $150 plus labor comes out to like $400! =O If the worst is true and they need to be replaced, please somebody tell me I don't have to let Audi do it >< Any guides perhaps?
Thanks
I went in today for a few minor fixes (running light out, oil change). And after waiting about 2 hours, the service guy and the mechanic take me out back and try to show me that the steering tie rods are worn down and need to be replaced. The mechanic grabs the wheel (on both sides) and shows that it's wobbly and loose, and the rods must be replaced otherwise it could be very dangerous to drive with. I admit, the wheels didn't look very solid when he was jerking em around, but the car drives just fine! It doesn't pull one way other the other, I don't have any bad vibrations, and my tires aren't wearing abnormally. The car is old, 1997 A4 2.8 Quattro, but it only has 55k miles on it...which were very easy miles to boot.
So getting to my question...Does this sound like a legitimate wear n' tear part that need replacing at 55k miles...despite no noticable allignment miscues or steering problems? Is it a part that could be fixed maybe instead of replaced? And if not, is this possibly something I could replace myself if I bought the parts? They quoted me $75 per tie rod; so $150 plus labor comes out to like $400! =O If the worst is true and they need to be replaced, please somebody tell me I don't have to let Audi do it >< Any guides perhaps?
Thanks
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 304
From:
RE: Tie Rod Question
Sounds like they definitely need to be replaced. The ball joint is probably bad and can't be repaired; you will need to purchase new tie rod ENDS. There is a difference between the tie rod and the tie rod end.
At 80,000 miles, my car didn't have noticeable problems until I was on a rutted road. The combined effect of the ruts and the bad tie rod ends would toss my car from one side of the lane to the other depending on how I hit the ruts. I would also feel the problem at speeds over 60 mph in turns.
I did the replacement myself. Aside from oil changes and spark plug changes, it was the first repair I did on my vehicle. It was not difficult. Here is a write up on how to do it.
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel29.shtml
At 80,000 miles, my car didn't have noticeable problems until I was on a rutted road. The combined effect of the ruts and the bad tie rod ends would toss my car from one side of the lane to the other depending on how I hit the ruts. I would also feel the problem at speeds over 60 mph in turns.
I did the replacement myself. Aside from oil changes and spark plug changes, it was the first repair I did on my vehicle. It was not difficult. Here is a write up on how to do it.
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel29.shtml
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,325
From: Oregon
RE: Tie Rod Question
yes this is one of the most common things to go on our cars. do it your self its easy...
theres a writeup on www.audiworld.com
theres a writeup on www.audiworld.com
4th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,308
From: Chicago, IL
RE: Tie Rod Question
I did my tierods in August. It's not that hard. 2 hours max gets some friends easier
ORIGINAL: Lancaster
Hey gang, have a question/issue with my local Audi/Porche service department.
I went in today for a few minor fixes (running light out, oil change). And after waiting about 2 hours, the service guy and the mechanic take me out back and try to show me that the steering tie rods are worn down and need to be replaced. The mechanic grabs the wheel (on both sides) and shows that it's wobbly and loose, and the rods must be replaced otherwise it could be very dangerous to drive with. I admit, the wheels didn't look very solid when he was jerking em around, but the car drives just fine! It doesn't pull one way other the other, I don't have any bad vibrations, and my tires aren't wearing abnormally. The car is old, 1997 A4 2.8 Quattro, but it only has 55k miles on it...which were very easy miles to boot.
So getting to my question...Does this sound like a legitimate wear n' tear part that need replacing at 55k miles...despite no noticable allignment miscues or steering problems? Is it a part that could be fixed maybe instead of replaced? And if not, is this possibly something I could replace myself if I bought the parts? They quoted me $75 per tie rod; so $150 plus labor comes out to like $400! =O If the worst is true and they need to be replaced, please somebody tell me I don't have to let Audi do it >< Any guides perhaps?
Thanks
Hey gang, have a question/issue with my local Audi/Porche service department.
I went in today for a few minor fixes (running light out, oil change). And after waiting about 2 hours, the service guy and the mechanic take me out back and try to show me that the steering tie rods are worn down and need to be replaced. The mechanic grabs the wheel (on both sides) and shows that it's wobbly and loose, and the rods must be replaced otherwise it could be very dangerous to drive with. I admit, the wheels didn't look very solid when he was jerking em around, but the car drives just fine! It doesn't pull one way other the other, I don't have any bad vibrations, and my tires aren't wearing abnormally. The car is old, 1997 A4 2.8 Quattro, but it only has 55k miles on it...which were very easy miles to boot.
So getting to my question...Does this sound like a legitimate wear n' tear part that need replacing at 55k miles...despite no noticable allignment miscues or steering problems? Is it a part that could be fixed maybe instead of replaced? And if not, is this possibly something I could replace myself if I bought the parts? They quoted me $75 per tie rod; so $150 plus labor comes out to like $400! =O If the worst is true and they need to be replaced, please somebody tell me I don't have to let Audi do it >< Any guides perhaps?
Thanks
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