jseklund

I haven't had a chance to get under my car yet, since we are getting a big storm today, but I figured it would be good to replace the tie rod assembly on both sides of the car whether they are needed or not at this point, just to remove all doubt. I'm looking at ECS, Rock Auto, etc. and have noticed that none of the complete assemblies list the APB or BEL engines. On ECS in particular, the parts all mention a vin split in 1999 and are good up to this split, but nothing is noted for after the split (my car is a 2004).

Was there actually a change? I'm assuming the parts didn't change and I can get whatever....but does anyone know?

Nialist

Mavis? Isn't that a rental center? Your picture does little to describe your problem. Unless you are going for the 4 x 4 look, and wondering how to get rid of some of that gap.

You should read what 4d4 says below. The only way to correct front camber (tires leaning in or out) is to buy a 400 buck camber kit that replaces a couple upper control arms or shift the subframe. The tie rods adjust the toe angle (think pigeon toed, and duck footed) as far as the front wheels are concerned. The rear has 2 eccentric bolts and washers that can adjust both. Have fun with the inboard toe angle bolt. That one beat me up for about an hour. Best bet, bring it to an alignment specialty place with experience in German cars. Or else you'll be flying through the rubbers (tires), me boy!

4Driver4

It might, but toe is more likely. Car is toed out.

You won't get them free. Don't bother.

Do the tie rods, have the car aligned by someone who understands the problem and cares about the result.

Huskerbob

Just FYI when I rebuilt my A4 front end I took it to the local Subaru dealer. They know how to do 4 wheel alignments and do it for $78 compared to about $400 at the Audi shop. Make sure your tie rod ends are tight.

jseklund

Guys, thanks for the replies. I'm going to grab some new tie rods, pop them on this weekend and then take it to an alignment shop that was recommended to me by a guy who works on Audi's. There are very few places around that specialize in Audi's on Cape Cod, and the ONE guy that I think knows what he is doing told me to take it to this place, so I will try to get it to them on Monday with new tie rods already in place.

I think the dealership in my area is just lazy and didn't want to do it or know how. There was a guy who owned Audi/VW and he sold the Audi rights to another guy who owns many many dealerships in the area - and they appear to have gone from bad to worse. I would have paid the $190 they were asking for an alignment if it fixed my tire issues...

jseklund

Ok guys, so I took it to the shop who did the alignment 2 months ago and they checked it out. The showed me the computer and I spent some time in the shop with them. It looks like I have a -1.6 on the driver's side and -1.5 on the passenger's side for the camber, and the toe is within spec. They were aware that the subframe moved the camber and that the issue would not be corrected because it was even on both ends.

The pointed out that if they raised the front of the car quite a bit the camber became better, so the springs may be compressed.

My thinking is it is time for some new control arms. They suggested adjustable control arms.

What do you guys think of all this? Just get the adjustable control arms, leave the springs alone and be done with it? Or will regular control arms fix the problem? Or should I also do the springs/shocks? I have 265,000 on the original parts as far as I can tell...

jseklund

After thinking about this, I'm assuming it's an issue with the uppers, but it could be the lowers that are letting the wheel come out too far if the bushings are shot (I'm just thinking, I could be wrong). In other words, I should probably bite the bullet hard and get all new arms. I don't have $1,000 to spend on 2 new tires and a set of control arms, but I'm gonna try to do it anyway.

I am looking at this kit, which will give me all new arms and adjustability:

http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/vw-a...y-4d0498998m-1

I know it isn't as good as lemforder, but I'm hoping it will get me another 75,000 or more.

Does anyone else think this is a good idea? Or a bad idea? Any thoughts?

I was looking at the shock kit from Blauparts and that's like $900 more - but I think I will leave that be for now and maybe change them in the future....

jseklund

I just ordered the control arm kit from FCP Groton. It will give me the adjustable control arms and replace all of the arms, tie rod ends, etc. and I am hoping I will be good for a while.

The shop that worked on the car yesterday said the tie rods appeared to be fine, except one had a rubber boot that was completely torn - which they showed me and it was torn wide open. He said despite that it was still tight and in good shape. He was surprised about it, but it obviously will need to go.

Good to know the Audi place was just jerking me around. I am totally shocked! (Heavy sarcasm).

mohamedali21

http://postimg.org/image/v4al591cd/
basically what happen was the front right wheel is too close to the rear side instead of being center. This is the front right that's off. I'm still trying to see what cause it and took it to my mach and he didn't see anything bent.

Nialist

I see what you are saying. Could you post a pic with the wheel off? Maybe some pics of the control arms, and their attachment bolts? Something isn't put together properly or there is an discrepancy with the assembly in there. Seems really odd though…. Some good pics may help myself and any others get a idea of what it is that could cause this.