George Trudeau

Hi there,

I have a 2006 A4 1.8T Cabrio, FWD (*not* Quattro) with a torn outter RH axel boot. It isn't clicking or anything yet. I was going to buy an Autozone axel (easier to do than just the boot) which is like $90, which is pretty cheap. But someone told me that re-manufactured axels from big box stores like that are trash for Audis and it's highly recommended to get Audi axels which are $500++.

Can anyone share their experiences with me? I hate doing boots. It's a mess, and you have to un-install the axel anyhow. I'd like to avoid that mess but I also don't want to put junk on my daughter's car.

Thanks!
George

Steamboat

A lot of Audi owners, myself included, have gone with Raxles with good success. They're cheaper than OEM and better than the axles you'd get at a chain auto parts store. He uses genuine Audi shafts (used, I believe) with new CV joints. Check out their website for details.

Another nice thing about Raxles is that his kits include the oddball loaner tools you'll need (triple square socket and axle socket) and a new axle bolt and new flange bolts.

lyleswk

Wouldn't go with Autozone axles; you'll just be replacing them in a year or two. Agree that Raxles have a good reputation although I've never had to replace axles.

Mongus73

I found for my car specifically the axle had to be sent to Audi in Germany and rebuilt for an exceptional fee. I ended up finding a local axle re builder who did it for $200 not including any labor however. It did take a total of about an hour and a half to take off and put back on. Not including the 2 days my axle was off my car and it sat on the lift. Apparently there are no aftermarket axles for my specific model. If I had a 2 wheel drive 4 cyl automatic I'd have probably be fine.

George Trudeau

Thanks everyone! I took everyone's advice and got Raxels. Now, I'm trying to install it and am having a hell of a time. I got it out on the passenger side, SOMEHOW- Not sure how to be honest. Now, I cannot seem to get it back in. Oil lines for the turbo appear to be impeding my ability to swing the back end of the axel far enough in to mate the hub end through the splines. Does anyone have experience with the A4 1.8T for this job?

Help!

~George