iProDrive

After replacing the entire tie rod assembly on the driver's side of the vehicle, the clunking noise while driving over bumps still was slightly still there. The sound wasn't as loud as before, but yet it was still there. I then decided to install the other tie rod just to be narrow down the possibilities. After the first install <a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/666094.phtml">here</a>, it was much easier because I knew <i>exactly</i> how to install the second one. I didn't take many pictures because it was freezing outside and I had to get the job done before it got any colder. I did get a few snap shots of the problem though. I was at the point where I had the whole entire old tie rod off and just about to install the new inner tie rod. I then glance further down the steering rack and notice that the entire steering was <i><b><big>too</big></b></i> loose. I then take a closer look and see a bolt moving up and down through a hole.

I then pull apart the battery assembly. (Battery never to fun to remove, always takes some trouble to get it out...let alone in.)

I then remove the battery bottom plate by the removing the highlighted bolts
<img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r42/mycarprojects/MY2000AudiA6/passengersidetierod/1.jpg">

Sure enough the highlighted screw in the picture below was FINGER LOOSE! I could have easily removed the entire screw from the part!
This was scary to think about!
<img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r42/mycarprojects/MY2000AudiA6/passengersidetierod/3.jpg">
<img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r42/mycarprojects/MY2000AudiA6/passengersidetierod/2.jpg">

Tightened up the extremely loose screw and then checked the other one. It had three clicks worth of tightening to torque spec at 67 Nm.

So just a heads up if your steering feels a little clunky over bumps and dips. Check these two bolts FIRST before you go on an both side ENTIRE tie rod replacement. Again the torque spec is 67 Nm.

I don't regret replacing the driver &amp; passenger side tie rods because now I know those tie rods are in good standings

Also one more thing. The driver's side tie rod was much easier to install and work on because it was not further back into the steering of the car. The passenger side was much harder to reach due to some of the clips were harder to reach. Let alone trying to put a new clips on there wasn't any easy task either. Spent a good chunk of time messing around with the clips to make sure they were on there nice and tight.

Final note:
Check out these snow patterns on my hood...gotta love the Audi Air Dynamics

(Yes, my hood is stock! Looks as if I have some hood vents and other what-not.)
<img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r42/mycarprojects/MY2000AudiA6/passengersidetierod/4a.jpg">

saabSean

A local Avant owner had the same problem and it took an experienced master tech to figure it out.

Excellent that you were able to figure this out for yourself. Nice job.

iProDrive

When I posted on here previously no one mentioned anything either...

So I am guessing that this problem is extremely rare...

4Driver4

Wow! Good find. I hope it's rare.

iProDrive

I wouldn't want to be driving and/or in the car at the time both of those bolts fell off...

RLG

and resulting in a clunking sound over bumps. Many have suggested to check those bolts, but A6 2.8's writeup is a good one.

Good work, 2.8. Without having a reply to your original thread and finding that it was that bolt that was the problem couldn't have been as easy as frustrating for you.

Anyhow, I hope you don't mind me throwing in some keywords so people in the future might find your post and not have to reinvent the wheel.


thump thumping clunk clunking noise noises sound sounds steering wheel play small bump bumps uneven pavement road imperfections loose bolt battery

opm1s6

what were the symptoms you were having?

you said it was going slow over speedbumps i thought.

what about when moving the steering wheel at rest? at all speeds? even when car was cold? etc.



thanks

LuvnhatemyA6

I had that too...

SUBLIME

I had some wierd clunking on my A4. I wonder if that was a similar sound. No one could ever tell me what it was.

Curious: How many miles on your tie rods? I think mine are making some noise.

iProDrive

I now realize why I love summer so much! This was taken on Saturday night:
<img src="http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r42/mycarprojects/MY2000AudiA6/passengersidetierod/cold.jpg">

As far as I was aware the tie rods were original. If you look at my current sig my picture says 102,511 and that was last night. That is probably one of the reasons I was happy to replace them and know when "brand new" parts were installed <b>correctly</b>.

I would suggest checking the bolts I pointed out in the beginning of this thread. Use the picture I also posted as a reference.