I have a B5 with 118K with play in the steering, the steering wheel is off centre to the left, it clunks over bumps, just generally quite loose up there. I had a mechanic take a quick spin and he thinks it could be the steering rack. Is it possible that it's something a lot cheaper to fix? Does anyone have any ideas?

 

inner tie rod ends? That makes more sense and I think I'd go there before replacing the rack. Get a second opinion and mention the inners to the mechanic.

 

I agree with Rusty. Check the inner tie rod ends. They can wear quite qucikly and will clunk over bumps. Just replaced one myself this summer. A complete brand new tie rod will run you approx $90. You can change it yourself but you will probably want an alignment done afterwards.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've taken it to a trustworthy Audi mechanic who said he's never seen one this bad, a full inch of play. He's replacing a a bunch of parts on both sides upper and lower - not the rack. All in including alignment and tax it's $1622 youch. My first Audi and my first, cherry busting repair bill. Is there any way tell if the timing belt has been replaced?

 

Well if you are gonna do a big suspension job best thing is to do it all. You can get kits like this:

2000 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8 L4 - Control Arm Repair Kit - BUY 2000 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8 L4 - Control Arm Repair Kit

Best thing to do probably is get the top one, then buy the sway bar links and Tie rod end ASSEMBLIES (Inner and outer) seperately. That way you get the inners, because its hard to find them alone.

Just a thought...

 

$1600 repair completed now mechanic tells me I need a new rack. Wha tha

 

really? what is his reasoning?

 

NEW RACK......... your mechanic sounds like a rip of brother, thats like ...like......a **** load of money.

 

well it isn't the most uncommon thing with audis I had to replace mine at about 120k kms. They improved them in 2003 I think though.