Multiple Questions

[Ameer Antar]

>(1.)
>I put on a set of four tires today and the installer said that he
>could not align the car due to frozen tie rods which have to be
>replaced due to torn rubber, whatever.   He said the outers need to
>be replaced . . .


I'm sorta curious what brand you decided to go with...


>So would you replace the INNERS *and* the OUTERS since you are taking
>everything apart ?
>
>What would you expect to pay for decent tie rod ends ?
>
>Would you all put in MOOG tie rods ($60 each or $120 total) or just
>the ones which cost about $17-30 each  ?
>
>I have to do all items all asap as the car was not aligned today and
>it needs to go back for alignment.  He offered to do the Moog outers
>and alignment for $230 total parts and labor.   Is that a good deal?

the tie-rods are the actual problem here. I was able to free mine up w/ a
torch and put anti-seize on it after (very important). You might try that,
or for less hassle, and future replacement, get the new tie-rods, which
come w/ tie-rod ends (the outer ones).

if these are the front tie-rods, I saw someone selling them on ebay for $70
total. Also some cheap(er) OEM suppliers are:
http://www.thepartsbin.com/
http://www.bimmerparts.com/
http://www.thepartsconnection.com/
OEM is almost always best, esp. since the cheap ones are probably rebuilt items


>(2.)
>The fella also said he thinks that the growl/howl is caused by a
>*plugged cat* which my husband is pulling right this minute to see
>whether it looks plugged.    Can I get one on line for considerable
>less than $215 which was quoted to me the parts stores we usually buy
>from which is less than the other parts stores around such as Pep
>Boys, etc.  ?
>
>He called it *back pressure* on the engine.    Has anyone else heard
>of that expression . . . ?

back pressure is just exhaust pressure building up in the exhaust system
b/c of some blockage not allowing the exhaust to flow out freely. it's a
possible cause and the only way to check is too look at it. But be careful
w/ that part as there is sensitive ceramic components in there that can
break and may end up getting stuck in there or the muffler.


>(3.)
>All brake pads have to be changed.   I was not planning on getting
>the semi-metallic as to save wear on the rotors.
>Thoughts anyone ?      I assume they run $20 or 30 per set . . .
>depending upon whether front or rear.

i don't think you can get organic pads for this car, at least not OE
quality. Semi-metallic are the way to go, and some people like
carbon-metallic pads b/c of low dust and smoothness. I have tried
carbon-metallic on my father's Lumina, and it has a very good brake feel
and it's gentle on rotors. I would highly recommend at least OE quality,
but I've never tried any pads on the Audi other than OE parts. I changed
all calipers, pads, rotors and MC to new OE Audi parts, and the braking was
phenomenal. The best I have ever driven.


>(3.)
>Since we are going to have to change all the brake pads, and the
>tie-rods, and perhaps the cat, is there anything
>ELSE which I should be looking at while the car is all torn apart ?

check the caliper dust seals and slide pins for wear. If they're worn, it's
much cheaper to replace them now than pay for a new caliper later. good luck.

-ameer