How To Determine If You Need To Replace The Tie Rod Assembly?
Three Audi Tie Rod Scenarios Could Exist:

1. The tie rod could be loose at the outer ball joint end.
   If the outer tie rod end is loose you can just replace this portion of the Audi tie rod.
2. The tie rod could be loose in the internal link that is embedded in rubber (see Image 2).
   If this internal tie rod link is loose you can just replace the outer Audi tie rod end.
3. The tie rod could also be loose at the inner joint beneath the tie rod boot.
   If the inner tie rod end joint is loose, replace the entire Audi tie rod assembly. However, if the outer tie rod end was recently replaced, you may just wish to replace the inner Audi tie rod end.

When replacing the entire Audi tie rod assembly or just the Audi inner tie rod ends, we always recommend replacing the Audi tie rod assembly boot (also called tie rod bellows). If you are replacing just the Audi tie rod end be sure to inspect the Audi tie rod boot for signs of aging. The Audi tie rod boot is plastic and prone to stress cracks. This is important preventative Audi tie rod assembly maintenance and can help prevent premature Audi tie rod wear. Replacing the Audi tie rod boot at the same time as the inner tie rod end will also save you money in the long run. Too, it's important to note that there are two possible Audi tie rod assembly boot sizes in the 1999 chassis The vin splits given by Audi are so close and have proved to incorrect in some instances. There is a 7.5" Audi tie rod boot and a 10" Audi tie rod boot in 1999 (see picture to right). Customers will need to verify which size they have. Please Note: This measurement should be made when the Audi tie rod boot is taken off the car and uncompressed. We've made this replacement easy by putting together a convenient kit which includes the Audi tie rod boot (bellow) which covers the Audi inner tie rod end, securing clamps, securing bolt, and high pressure moly grease for lubrication the tie rod inner joint (see picture below).

In the event of a failure of an Audi tie rod assembly or tie rod ends, your Audi parts specialist has the solution. Some original Audi tie rod assemblies have a link in between the ball joint and the tie rod end which is embedded in rubber (see OEM Version in Image 2). Thanks to power steering, drivers no longer feel the great force caused when turning the steering wheel. These forces create significant surface pressure on the Audi tie rod end ball pin in the bearing shell. Continuous or extreme dynamic strain as well as corrosion on the tie rod assembly can cause Audi tie rod end failure. Audi tie rod assembly failure reveals itself by squeaking and rattling along with a loose steering feel. BLAUfergnugen's improved Audi tie rod assembly version has eliminated the susceptible rubber element on the Audi tie rod end, replacing it with a full metal version with minimum or no increase in steering vibration. Another big tie rod end improvement is the enlarged diameter of the Audi tie rod ball pin and thus increased the load-capability. This increase on the Audi tie rod end ball joint diameter is from 22mm to 27mm which translates into longer tie rod service life. We have them available at a great price!

Your dealer may give you a different Audi tie rod assembly part number. This is because Audi has had numerous supersession on Audi tie rod ends and on the Audi tie rod assembly due to manufacturer changes.

Do you have a loose Audi control arm, ball joint, or suspension rattle? Does your Audi front suspension clunk every time you hit a pothole? You may need to replace your Audi control arms and control arm bushings. Replacing Audi control arms one by one can cost a lot of money. You'll save big on installation costs when replacing all of your Audi control arms at once. If some of the control arms are on their way out, the others aren't far behind. You're better off getting the job done right the first time.

Save hundreds of dollars by replacing all of your Audi control arms, tie rod ends, sway bar links, and hardware with our convenient updated kit! In the event of an Audi control arm failure, look to the nation's leading Audi control arm specialist for the solution!