tell me about Kmac's and tie rods
09-07-2005, 11:26 AM
#1
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
tell me about Kmac's and tie rods
I had my car in for replacement of a wheel bearing. In the process they told me that they had a "hard time" with the tie rod and it would need to be replaced soon. Now I swear that my toe-in is off. Would it be worthwhile getting a Kmac set and possibly replaceing the tie rods? What does it take in the way of special tools and do I need to have it up on a lift to do it? How do you set toe-in and camber without the alignment setup that most shops have?
09-07-2005, 12:09 PM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,447
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You are confused. Tie rods are for the front wheels- KMACs are for the back
"Tie rod ends" are relatively cheap when purchased online.They are very quick and simple to replace...if you have the appropriate special tool.
"Tie rods" themselves would be much more difficult and expensive but they dont fail often. I'll assume that its your tie rod "end" thats the problem.
The alignment is something that 99% of Do It Yourselfers have someone else do.
Dan
"Tie rods" themselves would be much more difficult and expensive but they dont fail often. I'll assume that its your tie rod "end" thats the problem.
The alignment is something that 99% of Do It Yourselfers have someone else do.
Dan
09-07-2005, 12:39 PM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,447
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Definetly! Dealers are typically a last resort, in my experience.
If there is a local(to your area)Audi or German car club or forum, They will know who to trust with your car and who not.
09-07-2005, 01:59 PM
#5
You can do your own...>
If you have patience, a good understanding of alignment principles, and can visualize what you are doing...
Toe plates for setting toe in and out, about $60:
<img src="http://images6.fotki.com/v91/photos/7/7305/305103/DSCF0034-vi.jpg">
Smart Camber gauge for doing the camber, about $200:
<img src="http://images6.fotki.com/v90/photos/7/7305/305103/DSC02541-vi.jpg">
Toe plates for setting toe in and out, about $60:
<img src="http://images6.fotki.com/v91/photos/7/7305/305103/DSCF0034-vi.jpg">
Smart Camber gauge for doing the camber, about $200:
<img src="http://images6.fotki.com/v90/photos/7/7305/305103/DSC02541-vi.jpg">
09-07-2005, 03:14 PM
#6
There are adjustable "Tie Arms" for the back too. Were they talking about the front or back when
they said you needed new ones?
From ECS:
<img src="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/images/product/suspension/VWR32TieRods/TieRods-Kit-500x375.jpg">
From ECS:
<img src="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/images/product/suspension/VWR32TieRods/TieRods-Kit-500x375.jpg">
09-07-2005, 04:26 PM
#7
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
talking about the front
it was the right front bearing that went out and presume that they may have stripped the threads in the process of putting it back together.
It just seems like our cars are so very sensitive to alignment and I'm constantly having to deal with uneven tire wear. I was hoping that I might be able to do it myself or at least have some way of confirming that it was done right. Especially since they just did it after fixing the bearing and now it doesn't seem to ride as smoothe and suddenly my mileage seems worse.
It just seems like our cars are so very sensitive to alignment and I'm constantly having to deal with uneven tire wear. I was hoping that I might be able to do it myself or at least have some way of confirming that it was done right. Especially since they just did it after fixing the bearing and now it doesn't seem to ride as smoothe and suddenly my mileage seems worse.
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AJN334
S4 / RS4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
9
11-22-2005 04:09 PM
audi2.7audi
A6 / S6 (C5 Platform) Discussion
3
10-07-2005 04:19 AM