I live in Seattle, where should I take my car?

[Huw Powell]

> Please see http://www.up-times.com/Audi/part.jpg of the picture that I took.
> Pardon the blur, its raining outside and I made the shot while blindly
> aiming behind the rim - it took about a dozen tries to get it.

You got it ok.  It is the ball joint.

By the way, that CV boot looks trashed.

> The bolt that I am pointing to is also not stock. It
> has Teflon on the inside of the nut, which I have never seen used in
> Automotive applications. Besides, its too shiny to have been original.

Not teflon, nylon.  It's a locking nut, exactly right for the job.

> I am thinking that the two 17mm bolts that hold this part to the suspension
> fork may be in the wrong place causing my toe alignment condition.

That adjustment has greater effect on the camber, the tie rod is more 
for toe.  But I believe both affect each other, as well.

As I said previously, you should dig in and make sure only good parts 
are in that suspension, and then, find a decent reputable place that 
will align the car properly (I know, you're trying).  Such a shop will 
also perhaps be a good place to find out what is broken and what is good 
so you can bring the car back ready to align properly.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/