Re: Ball Joints on 1995 90 Q Sport

[Chris Newbold <cnewbold@transarc.com>]

"Mark W. Byrum, Jr." wrote:
> 
> I couldn't help but eavesdrop on this thread.  I too have a '95 Sport 90
> (but alas, not a quattro).  I just had the tires rotated at 33k miles (I
> have had the car for the past 12K miles) and the insides of the treads
> of both front tires were worn moreso than the outside.  My initial
> reaction is that the front wheels have too much toe-out and I plan to
> have an alignment done within then next week.  Would ball-joints cause
> my problem?  Enquiring minds want to know!

If the inside edges are worn smoothly and not "chewed" or "feathered",
the problem is camber. (Camber is the amount that the wheel leans into
or away from the center of the car on a vertical plane.) Feathered or
chewed inside edges would be toe (out).

Some camber wear seems to be normal for these cars...

Yes, ball joints could be part of a camber wear problem. Camber is adjusted
on these cars though the ball joint mountings; if the joint is worn, it
won't be able to hold the wheel in the right position.

I'd first get the alignment checked; take it to a reputable place that
understands how to align Audis and make sure they check the camber. You
may find that's all you need.

At the same time, however, have them check the ball joints to see if they're
overly worn. They may find that they're not able to get the car in-spec...

-Chris
1993 90CS 70k miles