Hello!
Just fell out of my chair after the local Audi dealer just told me I need to spend $7000 to replace my entire steering column to fix a wiggle in the steering wheel. Audi A6 3.0T Quattro with 90,000 miles. Recently had the tie rods replaced, alignment and four new tires put on to correct a creaky sound when turning the wheel. Now there’s some play in the steering wheel both at rest an in motion. Feels like about I don’t know 5 degrees in each direction. Drives okay, but disconcerting, especially at higher speeds. So (1) must I fix this (i.e. is it dangerous not to?) and (2) is there a fix other than full rack replacement and (2b) would a rebuilt rack work just as well? Thank you!
Henry
Clarification: Which model year?
Oops! 2011 A6. Sorry about that.
Correction: Dealer just clarified. It’s the steering rack. NOT the column.
Dark web footage of your dealership service advisor -
the local Audi dealer just told me I need to spend $7000
Find an independent Audi mechanic in your area and have them diagnose the issue first.
If push comes to shove, and you want to offload the vehicle, look at local junkyards for used OEM parts.
Why not just go out and buy another used Audi with the $7000 and tell the dealer to pound sand?
Thinking Honda!
Even better!
Dealers seem to double, triple, or even quadruple their price to fix things.
Make sure you know for sure with data before replacing anything. I have had dealers offer the more expensive option as a first line of fix. But it turns out it was something cheaper in the end.
And they say they are following the “flow chart”.
Thank you. Wish I knew more about this stuff. Didn’t even notice anything until I had the tie rods done and new tires put on. It’s fairly subtle. Think it might have to do with the new tie rod?
If it showed up after changing the tie rods and the tires, it could very well be the tie rods or the tires. Tie rods seem more logical to check.
Any chance you had an alignment done after changing tie rods?
Why did you need to change tie rods? Do you still have your old tie rods?
Very interesting. Mechanic said I needed tie rods. Yes, the did an alignment, after they convinced me to do new tires (which I kinda needed, to be fair). I’ll see if I can get them to check their work. If that’s the issue that’d be amazing! What’s also interesting is I got to texting with the dealer mechanic who worked on my car. He said he’s never really seen tie rods go bad on these cars. Though he’s also the one who told me I need a new rack, and then proceeded to offer to buy the car…for $3000. Fun times.
Yeah, there's about $6000 profit built into that bid. When I was a building contractor and I didn't want a certain job, I'd bid it to the moon and back. You'd be surprised how many of those lousy jobs I got. Like Canada Bill Jones says -
"It is morally wrong to allow a sucker to keep their money."
$6,000 profit, man, I picked the wrong line of work. On second thought, I couldn’t sleep at night.
Holy tomatillo! Seriously? They have the cost of the part alone as over $5000. Pretty bummed. Overall just wanted to try to take care of what I expected was a pretty well made German car. Have been willing to spend the money, until now. Just spent $1000 on brakes and rotors + $600 on a tensioner + $2000 on the tie rods and tires. Was trying to get it ready for my daughter. Now, I don’t know.
Get rid of this vehicle as fast as you can. Your expectations of a "well made German car" are unfounded.
Have been willing to spend the money, until now. Just spent $1000 on brakes and rotors + $600 on a tensioner + $2000 on the tie rods and tires. Was trying to get it ready for my daughter. Now, I don’t know.
It’s become a money pit, and at some point just have to cut the losses.
😀 Yeah I’m thinking there may be some profit built into that $7K! Junkyard is a great idea! Thanks! Sounds like a difficult install, though.