MM120

I should prolly know this, but I don't: Are the tie rod ends located in the upper portion of the wheel well, & aft of the 2 upper control arms? I was told recently that they worn out since the wheel has play movement of about 2". I've also been getting a clanking sound f/ the wheel area recently while driving.

So, after talking to Mr D. on the flip-side (AIM)on Tuesday, I decided to check the wheels for myself. Sure enough there was a lot of play in the wheel, & I discovered where my sound was coming from. It was the part I just asked about at the top of the wheel well, & aft of the control arms.

I suppose I am correct after seeing pics of a tie rod end. They look identical to me. For this section of questions I'll pretend I am right & get on with the questioning.

1) Has anyone replaced these via DIY, & is it simple?

2) It looks as if it just screws onto the "arm" assembly that runs into the engine bay, & the other end has a pin that connects to the wheel assembly. Am I right about this or is it more complicated?

3) Do the threads need to be counted when screwing into the "arm " assembly?

4) Anything else I need to know to DIY it, or should I leave it to a pro?

As always, TIA!!!!!

MM120

Sorry, suspension is not my area of expertise since I've never messed w/ it before.

CK NYoC

wrenches (I think thats wut theay are called) make loosening the nuts easy. You should spray them with PB blaster ahead of time. I just got an alignment done afterwards, I dont think you can do it without getting an alignment unless you're that good. Doing it yourself for the first time, I doubt you'll away with not getting an alignment. I happened to break a bolt by tightening the horizontal bolt, then the vertical bolt, tighten the horizontal, then the vertical bolts on the tie rod end.

MM120

**I happened to break a bolt by tightening
the horizontal bolt, then the vertical bolt,
tighten the horizontal, then the vertical bolts
on the tie rod end.**

Did you mean to tighten the vertical bolt, then the horizontal instead? I ask because you said that you broke a bolt by tightening the horizontal bolt, then the vertical bolt. Then you told me to do the same procedure that you did that broke your bolt. Did I just misunderstand something?

Oh BTW, do I need to buy the hardware kit too, or are the parts common enough that I can find the same hardware locally? Thanks!

CK NYoC

Sorry, I broke a bolt by tightening the vertical before the horizontal bolt. Do it in opposite order.

I think audi just reuses the old bolts. I guess it's up to you. I re-used all the bolts except the one that broke.

moribundman

You don't want that to fall off. ;-)