glauben

I have a dilemma. I bought an entire control arm kit with full metal tie rods. I know the "full metal" version tie rods have been out longer than I've been aware of them, so no flaming.

So I drop my car at my favorite independent Au/VW mechanic, and he states that the tie rods will not fit. OK. So I send them back to the parts house who receives them and states I was sent the wrong ones (different year A4). Talked to the owner of the parts house a few days later who states that all A4 tie rods between 96 and 08 are the same design and fitment. He further states that the all-metals are the same as the OEMs.

Then I call the dealer. The guy behind the desk at the "stealership" is no help either, and needs a VIN to "look them up", saying that for sure they are different, but can't tell me "what's" different about them.

So, this brings me to a couple questions...are all tie rods for the A4 (yr models 96-08) the same design? or not? Are the all-metal tie rods different than the originals? or not? Me thinks I need tie rods. After an entire control arm upgrade (minus the TRs), my car is still missing that solid straight line steering of yesteryear.

BTW :: 2004 A4 Avant 3.0 MT6.
Thanks guys.

glauben

Come on guys....72 views and no responses? This forum can't be that dead.

MikekiM@PureMS

All tie rods between 96 and 08 are interchangeable. There are some differences, but you can take one from any year and put it on a different year. Your tech who's doing the install has no clue what he's doing.

glauben

Thanks Mike.

Loree-AudiUSAParts

There has been a supercession in the part number but it is true all A4 outter tie rods ends are the same they just look different as Audi has beefed them up a bit. As for the inners they are different depending on the year.
Loree

abohica

I have a late 2007 A4 Cab 3.2 quattro and need new tie rod inners at 60,000 mi. Is this excessive for mostly ,95%, highway miles?