Originally Posted by silverd2

Repairing the ripped CV boot will not cure ANY problem...only prevent a future one, IF the CV is still OK.

If you already have ANY symptom I described, it's too late to bother with the boot.

Before you do any repair or buy anything, start by having your mechanic friend look to see what axles are in there and if he feels any obvious slop...Tell him to find a brand name marking...this will speak volumes as to the next step.

DON'T GO TO A DEALERSHIP FOR ANY REPAIR, unless there is NO other possible choice!!!! If the axles need to be replaced (if you find EMPI on the joints or obviuos "slop"), most members here swear by Raxles brand aftermarket axles...higher priced than the inferior Auto Parts store brands, but well worth the extra cost. If you don't have original OEM axles now (not the shaft part, the joints themselves) there is no need to spend the big bucks for OEM...Raxles will cost half the price and any decent Euro mechanic shop (or DIYer...I've always done my own) can install them.

AGAIN, before you do or assume anything else...have someone look at them (you could do this yourself, unless you're in a wheelchair) to at least see a brand name stamp on the joints.

Originally Posted by twentysevenlitres

I noticed too that all the control ams were replaced (again, I'd be looking for a brand name), but no mention is made of tie-rod ends.
Unless that comes under "suspension parts".
A tie-rod end would definately cause a high speed vibration, so make sure you have that checked too.

What's the milage now?

Originally Posted by thphon

I googled the part number for the "suspension parts" mentioned in the record and found "Front Strut Tower Support Arm 97-03 Audi A8 S8 D2 - Genuine OE - 4D0 412 395 B", does it tell you anything?

The mileage is 103290 and some change. Since I've bought it I've driven it a little more than 500 miles.

Originally Posted by thphon

Ok, so the mechanic I know was able to take a look at the car.
He wasn't able to find any brand for the replaced axle shafts nor control arms. He did notice the right outer axle boot is leaking on the inside of the boot and the power steering hose is leaking as well. He recommended an indy shop and I'll try to take it later today to get a quote.
Based on what was discussed here I should expect to need replacing tie rods and front axle shafts, right? Of course I won't do anything before confirming it, but I just want to see if I understood this problem correclty.
I'll post here whatever they told.

Thanks,
Leo

Originally Posted by silverd2

What you've learned are just long distance guesses. It's not a given that any of this needs to be replaced. The leaks need to be addressed for sure...the CV boot could simply need the clamp tightened, unless the boot is actually split.
You're gonna have to trust someone in person, after an actual close educated inspection...not just throwing $$ at anything that "might" be suspect or hasn't been replaced yet...a good/honest mechanic is going to address a problem he can see and show you why it's bad. For instance: A bad tie rod will usually either pop or groan while turning the steering with the car parked.

Good luck

Originally Posted by thphon

The last thing you said about a bad tie rod happens, I forgot to mention it. That's why I guessed replacing both axle shafts and tie rod would be right along the lines of what was discussed here, but of course I don't pretend to understand to the detail what I'm saying or assume what the outcome would be. It was more like an exercise to make sure I followed what was suggested here.

I took the car to this place but they didn't have time to inspect it right away and since it's really far away from where I live and work I have to figure out what I can do about it. For the time being I'll take it to an inspection to the dealership this Saturday (I scheduled it like a week ago as a Plan B), if the price doesn't scare me I'll do it there. Otherwise I'll see what to do.

Originally Posted by silverd2

I highly recommend one fix at a time...the only way to pinpoint the actual problem. Get the tie rods ONLY first, if you've had the symptoms I described. Unless a CV boot is split wide open, waiting is not gonna hurt anything...a simple leak there means nothing and will hurt nothing.

The tie rod end replacement will require an alignment also...nothing special about an alignment on your car...if they say it is, they are lying or incompetent.

Take care of the tie rod ends first, test drive for a while to see if the vibration goes away. Ignore the CV's (axles) for the time being. NEVER get multiple things replaced to address a single problem...that is not diagnosing a problem...it's a desperate stab in the dark.

Originally Posted by thphon

I didn't consider doing one thing at a time because my idea was to fix everything before making the trip to Atlanta, GA. It makes sense though, to get one thing at a time. Definitely I'm experiencing all the symptoms you mentioned for a bad tie rod, so I'll start there.
Assuming the vibration at high speeds is still there, do you think is risky to make the trip with the car anyway?