Tie rod ends - a easier way to check them
10-24-2004, 07:00 PM
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Tie rod ends - a easier way to check them
Start the car. Lower the driver side window and get out of the car. Grab the tie rod end with your left hand. Your hand should be wrapped around the lower part of the tie rod end and the steering arm. The tie rod end is slightly above and to the right of the tire on the drivers side of the car. You can't miss it. Wiggle the steering wheel with your right hand back and forth about 2-4 inches. You should feel the lower part of the tie rod end moving with the steering input. You may feel the steering arm not moving at all or feel some play in the tie rod end that is connected to the steering arm. How much is too much is subjective, I think.
I did this to my 98 A6Q that I own w/ 107K miles and I can feel about 1/16 inch of play on the tie rod end using this test. The reason I was checking tie rod ends was because the car was wandering at speed and because the car drove like a 61 Buick. Yes, I now know the tie rod ends need to be replaced. Any suggestions? OEM? Aftermarket?
Bill Kolofa 98 A6Q
I did this to my 98 A6Q that I own w/ 107K miles and I can feel about 1/16 inch of play on the tie rod end using this test. The reason I was checking tie rod ends was because the car was wandering at speed and because the car drove like a 61 Buick. Yes, I now know the tie rod ends need to be replaced. Any suggestions? OEM? Aftermarket?
Bill Kolofa 98 A6Q
10-24-2004, 08:03 PM
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In this case OEM and "aftermarket" are one in the same as
I have not seen any off brand substitutes. IMO the best "OEM" part is the TRW. Dont have the time to explain why, but at about $25 a piece, you have little to loose.
10-25-2004, 02:21 AM
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I thought the ECS ends were "beefier"?
<center><img src="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/images/product/iadmin/2197_x450.jpg"></center><p><ul><li><a href="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi?make=Audi&engine=4.2&mode l=C5%20A6&submodel=Quattro&category=Steeri ng&subcategory=Tie%20Rod">ECS Tuning</a></li></ul>
10-25-2004, 05:50 AM
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Already posted this type of method many times
A recent example:<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/447411.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/447411.phtml</a></li></ul>
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