DWC_2.7T

Dealer quote is $650; alignment included. Sound reasonable?

MikekiM@PureMS

Not in the least bit.

Installing TRE's is a DIY job, especially if you're in SoCal since you don't have to worry about rust and corrosion.

Replacements are inexpensive
TRE options

Then just head down to your favorite alignment shop.

Just Me

So in so cal you dont start the PB blaster a week ahead, break out the torch mid-job, and finally remove the entire tire rod? I'd be confused.

G

JohnK@PureMS

yeah, I moved out here from southern Pennsylvania, and didn't know what to do! I keep expecting all hardware to break, always, and they *usually* don't.

old96A4

Living in the salt belt like I do a torch is a must and Also I'd rather buy the chaeper parts so I have to replace them more often and they don't have time to rust on. buy the $18 tie rod and don't worry about it, I think I bought one for my A6 two years ago and its still fine 30K miles later. I check the suspension parts on my audi's all the time because of them eating tires so fast if the suspension isn't maintained. I don;t know how people can go t the dealer for work. Just to expensive. you have to learn how to work on these yourself. Yeah I know most don't want to do that. When I work on my MG, stuff just falls off because that car doesn't see the winter..

01A6Turbo

I ordered inner & outter TRs from ECS last summer - besides brakes/rotors it was the first suspension work I had to do on the Audi. I forget what I got the parts for but they were reasonable in price and supposedly better quality then OEM. Can't remember if they're Meyle or Febi. Anyhow, it is def. a DIY job that as a first timer you can tackle in a 1/2 hour per side or 2 hours tops for the pair if you work slow (doing TREs). Inners are a little different story as getting the boot and interior clamp back on is a real PITA and must be done properly. I vote DIY and save yourself $400