90audi80DC

sorry to take up so many posts lately, but i got so many questions... seems as if i'm gonna need new left front axle, and both front inner tie rods.... first off i would like to know if anybody has had this done and how much the actual parts cost?.... next i was wondering what it cost for a shop to do it, cause i'm thinkin 'bout havin some friends help if its outrageously priced

teabagger

Axle should be around $100-$150, are you sure about the inner tie rods? I had a loose nut on my steering rack/tie rod assy. and some mechanic told me I had bad inner tie rods ends and tried to say it would be several hundred to fix them.
To fix:
Get a serrated wrench/12 pt. inverted socket, they are called both from a local auto parts store, I think it's a 10mm but get the 4 pack. Loosen the axle nut (under the wheel center cap), then jack the car up. Loosen all 10 or so of the bolts with the serrated wrench that hold the axle to the tranny. Then pull the axle out and install the new one. Definetly easier with two people, one person holds the serrated wrench/extensions onto the bolts, and another in the wheel well loosening them.
Inner tie rod ends: Remove the 2 bolts holding the tie rods together, shown below, then there are two more bolts that hold the tie rods to the steering rack, both have nuts on them. Then remove the tie rods and take the ends off, reinstall and possibly get an alignment. Tie rod ends should be about $15-$30/ea. Definetly do these things yourself, they are not difficult and people charge way too much to do them for you.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/50102/tierods.jpg">

90audi80DC

thanks so much!

SeStone

It's almost easier if you use an airgun with a big long extension to get the flange bolts off. Takes away the need for someone to hold the axle. Just don't use the uber power level or use the airgun to put them back on;-).

Sam

teabagger

It's always easier with an airgun! not all of us have them though