ceaser

Hello everyone, have just fitted new tyres all round, and asked for alignment to be done at same time, seemed as though fronts were being unduly scrubbed/worn, techies told me that the front right Tie Rod was gone and left was on its way, if I fix them they will then do alignment after. Not being cash flushed, I settled for After Market parts, must admit they were what I considered Cheap approx. 30USD, and considering the old Girl only comes out on weekend and occasional 2/3 hour trip, would probably outlive me, anyway, fitted to both left and right , put about 50KM on the Clock and took it back to Alignment Centre , the Techie then told me that I had the same problem as before, (Different Techie) too much movement, had I fitted genuine Audi Parts because they have a Plastic/Rubber insert in female thread to absorb some of the road shock. I didn't notice this in original T/R ends which I diligently disposed of, Local Audi Dealer, doesn't have stock, has to order from Head Office ( Johannsberg ) I'm in Cape Town. So don't Know if this is so, and find it hard to believe that 50km would destroy even the worst A/M parts, hense my Question, do I need parts with Plastic/Rubber insert, as an aside, checking my Bentley Repair Manual to see if the inner T/R may be the problem, I see there is adjustment that can be done on the actutal Steering Rack itself, haven't got back to the point where I get the wheels off again, and wondered if you Gurus out there had any input on the problem, have found an Audi/ VW A/M supplier of guaranteed A/M parts priced at double of what I paid but 33% of what Audi Parts charge. you're valuable Input is appreciated Guys.

Dr. A8

It would help if you formatted just a little bit. Your paragraph is pretty hard to get through. I suspect that your tie rods are fine and this is just something that the mechanics have been trained to say. Easy to sell and easy to install at a high markup. I always double check a diagnosis if I bring a car to a mechanic. Most of the time they are full of crap and lying through their teeth.

RickyJay52

I know this doesn’t help you but I have one word for you: BRAVO!

ceaser

Formatted, not with you ??. The techie involved has nothing to do with either the sale of new parts or the fitting of same , in both cases 2 diff techies, I saw with my own eyes and personally with car on the hoist, felt/saw the movement on the total Rod, and wheel move at least 3/4 inch 15/17mm back and fore, or side to side if you wish, and incidentally, this is being done by a National Company at no extra cost.