Just Me

My 1995 A6q has developed a pretty terrible set of squeaks and sqwalks, worse when wet and cold.

Using a stethoscope, i traced it to the rear tie rods. I can tell which end, but presume ( guess?) is the pivot end.

What is the wisdom to fix? Inject grease? Replace? Part or whole?

Thanks,

I hope i can figure out hwo to track this tread in the new format.

G

4N 4RING

Grease might stop the squeal, I do not recommend. Also, the wheels are off alignment and when you take hard cornering the tires lose grip. Replace both, price between $85 ea. to $280 ea. (dealer). Don't boy cheap eBay stuff. mine cost $99 both and lasted one year. Easy job, one hour bot sides. It requires alignment.

Just Me

So... it sounds like you concur that it is the tie rods, and the "ball" end.

Now, i'm not sure why you are advising against greasing. On B5/C5 series cars, its common for the multitud eof ball joinst to begin creaking, and grease generally quiets them for years - and extends their life as well.

For the record, there is NO play - and therefore no alignment issue yet.

Clearly ereplacement is the "best" solution, but also the most excpensive adn time consuming.

Or am i missing somethign else....?

thanks again,

Grant

a6hcw

Once a boot breaks the joint rapidly breaks down. I replaced both rear tie rods (transverse links) on my 1996 A6 Quattro wagon with ones from www.blauparts.com. The boots at the end with the large bolt were torn and the joints were badly worn and rusty. Bentley recomends using tool VW267a to pop the stud loose, however I was able to modify a cheaper generic tool from www.zdmak.com to do this. Also, you need to torque the bolt and stud per the Bentley instructions and use new lock nuts.