Pending Issues Which Need to be Addressed on my Audi (Requesting Guidance)

[arjun90]

I'm experiencing a plethora of issues with my Audi A6. These issues are mostly suspension pertaining. I'm trying to budget myself with priorities in mind.
First, the steering wheel noise doesn't go away, the sound is more prevalent than ever before. I hope the steering rack is still intact (I did read that tightening the center bolt should help a bit). Not sure about clock spring though, as this issue could be linked to ongoing suspension issues I haven't addressed before (read further)

Here is the steering wheel noise, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcjQ...ature=youtu.be (seems to be a prevalent issue on other Audi models as well)

Second, there is significant play at the 3 o' Clock and 9 o' Clock positions indicating that Tie Rods have to be replaced (likely both inner and outer, appears seized)

Third, The rubber in the upper control arm inserts appear cracked (as in deteriorated), but could not feel significant play (when prying with a pry bar)

Car rocks side to side when going over medium bumps, and goes and up and down evening when running over micro-bumps (small imperfections on the road)

Ironically, my tires are still in great shape in-spite of everything I've experienced here. Where do you think I should start? Parts (including struts) should run me about $500 or so, right?

Sometimes I wonder if its time for another Audi. Timing belt job was done not so long ago as well as front engine seals and serpentine belt. It just doesn't make sense to go with a different vehicle. Engine performs well.

I understand these cars have little to no resale value. There are minor issues with fog light, high beam, and windshield wiper fluid, rear output shaft seal, and flex pipe sections which I have all the parts for (the work is still pending).

What do you all suggest? Thanks!

[brokenwrench]

How many miles?

It sounds like the very least you need new shocks/struts all around. If you say your tires aren't wearing odd, then you probably don't have bad suspension bushings at least (someone correct me if I'm wrong). As for the cracked rubber, almost all rubber will begin to crack after a certain age, but if you're worried about it you can replace all the suspension components for not very much money (at least it'll probably cost less than buying a new car).

As for your steering, I don't really have any insight into that. But I do have a 2000 A6 parts car with the rack and PS pump still in it, if it turns out you need another one.


Cheers!

[arjun90]

Thank you brokenwrench, the car currently stands close to 156,000 miles. It's pretty much my daily driver. The steering wheel noise was very prevalent the other and as a result haven't drove around for a few days. Just drove 400 miles a week or so ago. I really hope the rack is intact. It is a common issue though in which overtime the center bolt becomes loose and needs to be torqued down again. The tires are only about 7 months old, driven around 6000 miles with them so far (installed after having the timing belt replaced). Tire rotation is pending as its been past the 4,000 mile maintenance interval

[carmudgeon]

The way I describe old German cars is they may never break down on you but they always need something. They're a money pit, its just a question of how much you can, or are willing, to invest to keep them going. If you start tearing into the suspension you're looking at big $$$. I just spend $2,000 for parts, and that was only a partial rebuild of the front and rear suspension.

[carmudgeon]

Car must have heard me talking about it behind it's back, threw a P0430 this morning.

[NuGGet_PuFFer]

Car must have heard me talking about it behind it's back, threw a P0430 this morning.

I LOL'd

[Robsa6]

^Me too! If my check engine light goes off I wonder whats broke its been on for so long

[arjun90]

First things first, remove the battery, check center bolt, torque them down. I think Audi issued a TSB for their other models on this issue. It's prevalent on the A6 C5's as well.
There are a couple of drain holes in the vicinity which can easily clog up and promote rust.