Hex168

Follow-up on 9-11-06 post on steering issues


My 2002 A8L with Audi 18" pie plates lacks directional stability on the Interstate.

Dealer (who seems competent) checked the outer tie rod ends and promises that they are tight, and replacing them will not help. They replaced one control arm because it was slightly worn, but did not think it was the cause of the problem. Their recommendation was to replace the tires, which were at 5/32 overall but showing uneven wear. They thought that the wear was affecting the contact patch.

So, I replaced the Dunlop Direzza 245/45-18's with the same size Nokian WR's. Steering has improved to the point that I am satisfied on two-lane twisty roads around here. My tire dealer "Road-Force" balanced the tires and wheel separately and together, and determined that two tires are out-of-spec and will be replaced. There is a slight vibration caused by this that should be fixed once the tires are replaced.

I am still not crazy about the steering feel on the interstate, in that it takes more driver effort and attention to keep the car following its path, even on a smooth road, than my 1995 A6 with 170,000 miles. It probably comes down to tire size, and that the 18's are too large to be optimum. (Fashion trumps function, I suppose.) I asked the dealer if they could temporarily swap wheels so I could check out the difference for 15 minutes or so, but they declined.

I will probably just keep the 18" Nokians and live with it. However, if someone has a set of original 17" Audi A8 wheels, I would consider buying them.

Any comments?

PaulW

They go bad on the A8's.

Hex168

The dealer offered to replace them if I insisted, but swore that they were perfect. I thought I'd take their word for now and do it on the next service visit.

We did a comparison to another A8 with 18's and it felt the same as mine. Not that it rules out the same problem with that car...

The car does feel much better with the new tires; that was, at least more than half of the problem.