[s-cars] Tie rod ends

[Postupack, Jeff]

JR,

Typical quote methodology. Repair Shops tend to reduce the cost of labor
by showing the high price of parts combined.
Actually, your shop manager buys for the same low price and offers the
parts to YOU for retail list or higher.
It's normal albeit aggravating.


Anyway, tie rod ends are not hard to R&R, I just did mine. Removing the
tie rod end changes your alignment
So measure or make some type of gauge to reassemble close the original
location.
I say 'close' because you'll have to drive to a shop for alignment once
complete.

Many guys told be you can hammer out the tie rod end, but that never
worked for me.

I use a tool to press against the tie rod bolt using the strut 'tab'
that the bolt installs into as the counter point.

I own a tie rod removal tool that happens to fit and is sturdy. You can
rent one at a local Autozone or
Tool rental shop.

The tie rod bolt is tapered, and having been in there a long time seems
solidly in place.
Apply some heat to the 'tab' outside (not the tie rod bolt)

I used a heat gun [paint stripper type] which provided enough heat to
expand the tab
And not melt the paint.

Provide a bump with a hammer and that tapered bolt pops right out.

Removing the tie rod end changes your alignment, so while you're in
there, remove the 
Dual threaded adjuster, clean the threads on the adjuster AND inside the
tie rods.
Use Anti-seize before reassembly on everything.

Plug in your new parts, align as needed.

Posto


Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 08:35:39 -0500
From: JR <audiurs4 at mailforce.net>
Subject: [s-cars] Tie rod ends
To: s-car-list at audifans.com
Message-ID: <449BEE2B.4030701 at mailforce.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I'm getting quoted over $300 to replace both tie rod ends in the front 
of my URS4.  They want to charge $99 for each tie rod end just for the 
part and then $60 for each install.  I checked S-CARS Parts Direct and 
they only want $28 each for the part.  My question is this: How hard is 
it to replace these if I want to do it myself?  For reference I've done 
both front lower control arms and did my own timing belt/serp belt/water

pump, so I'm not afraid of a wrench.  How long should it take me and do 
I need any special tools?  Anyone have a write-up that I can use as a
guide?

Thanks,

JR