Inner Tie Rod Oetiker Ear Clamp--Unable to get it to click in place

[arjun90]

I spent much of the day trying to clamp the Oetiker Ear Clamp onto the boot of the Inner Tie Rod. I could have completed the driver side today, but this clamp really came in the way. I don't want to resort to zip ties---because vulnerability to the elements. I can use hose clamps (built in screw), but still find the Oetiker Ear Clamps better suited for this application--it just works and has a virtually worry-free guarantee. I feel my space is not so constrained, thanks to no strut / upper control arms, and plastic bracket removed. I'm using a 59mm clamp on the Driver Side (purchased from AudiUSAParts), and though the clamp fits around the boot, for some reason I can't get the clamp to click into the next tooth. I cleaned off the vasoline I applied earlier and the Rein-branded Boot (purchased from FCP Euro) is the same exact thing as OEM (unless there are minute differences thickness, I haven't checked).


If I want to use the Oetiker Ear Clamps, should I tried a slightly larger sized-clamp (i.e. 60 or 61mm?)

Makes me wonder what the passenger side will turn out to be. The passenger side happens to use a 67mm clamp.

Here in NY, its hard to find hardware shops carrying these type of clamps; some don't even know what an Oetiker / Ear Clamp is.

Thanks

[PaperToast]

google shop is your friend
https://www.google.com/search?q=side...tiker&tbm=shop

[arjun90]

Thanks Papertoast, I already have the Oetiker Pincer, but no where in town can I find these appropriately sized clamps. Audi dealer will only have the 59mm and 67mm Oetiker Clamps. I want something 1-2mm larger to give me a better chance to click the clamp in place in that constrained space.

The only two branches that come to my mind are Grainger and Fastenal. Fastenal's website doesn't list out the sizes I need and Grainger appears to sell in bulk. Then there's also MSC Industrial Supply (I think they have a branch here in NY).

As someone else mentioned on another thread on Audizine, the real hose clamps are the way to go, but that just makes the odds of me finding a couple locally bleak. I really wanted to get this vehicle back on the road this week. These clamps are getting in the way, lol. Really want to get it right the first time, but the clamps do not justify the costs of taking the car elsewhere. Local Mechanics here are almost guaranteed to use zip ties since they want the customer be a regular, lol.

[julex]

buy dealer boot and dealer clamp, it must fit since they're mated. Mine did although the price is kind of crazy for the combo.

[arjun90]

I called up Fastenal, they advised me to use a T-Bolt Clamp instead --- they sounded pretty determined, will give them a try as well while I source the step less clamps from the dealer

[PaperToast]

Thanks Papertoast, I already have the Oetiker Pincer, but no where in town can I find these appropriately sized clamps. Audi dealer will only have the 59mm and 67mm Oetiker Clamps. I want something 1-2mm larger to give me a better chance to click the clamp in place in that constrained space.

kool, i got my clamp from napa, a kind of one size fits all is what they gave me, and trim off the excess

[rollerton]

I just used that crazy strong Black RTV/ Window weld stuff. Small bead on the inside lip of the boot and get it on firmly, spin it around one time for coverage. Let it sit overnight and it's not coming off. Trying to reach in there and tighten a clamp is stupid.

And I didn't have a clamp for one side. So that's what it got.

[arjun90]

Well, this is absurd. I reused the old boot from the former tie rod assembly and voila--using a new 59mm Oetiker Clamp, the fit was perfect, no resistance, no hassle at all.

I was told earlier today that the boots I purchased (Rein-Brand) are not OEM and that differences "may" be there in which it forces the end-user to use a different style clamp or simply zip-tie.


Now the ultimate question comes, should I purchase new Boots from Audi Direct or reuse the old boots? The old boots are in fair condition, however, they aren't as rigid as the new ones. The old ones feel more pliable.

Here's the irony, even julex mentioned earlier today---use genuine boot!

Seriously?.... lol

[PaperToast]

dont loose sleep over this
use the rtv or zip tie and call it good
chances are itll get ripped the next time you get an alingment

[arjun90]

I hope I don't regret if it all comes to reusing the old boot, lol.

I also just happen to realize the outer tie rod I am about to install contains that rubber bushing (which Audi phased out long time ago)--is apparently not the all metal version which cost more.

The worn out tie rods on my car are the S4-style, which is amazing because that means the former owner's mechanic had a good knowledge-base

The Meyle HD Kit I received happens to contain all-metal outer tie rods ends. Are the Meyle HD All Metal tie rods as good as OEM and / or S4 style TRE? Just wondering...
Thanks

dont loose sleep over this
use the rtv or zip tie and call it good
chances are itll get ripped the next time you get an alingment

[PaperToast]

the meyle hd TRE's are great
been running them for 4-5 years, the ball joint is still stiff

[arjun90]

I might as well give them a try--best of both worlds used in conjunction with Lemforder Inner Tie Rods (same as Genuine Audi)

Also found virtually no difference between Meyle HD and Lemforder Sway Bar Links. I can really close my eyes and choose any and still think they are as good and perhaps better than the original worn out ones.

[arjun90]

I'll probably go with the Meyle HD's for the outer rods as well. Wondering what I should do with the new Lemforders outer tie rods (can't return them as they came with the tie rod assembly). Why didn't Audi Issue a Recall for the earlier tie rods (which came with rubber dampening)?! And why are they still being sold?

Overall, must have saved around $80 here, but $80 can go a long way, thinking from an alignment standpoint. I think I have faith in Meyle's HD products---might as well use their Sway Bar links as well. They all came included in that 12-piece kit.

And here's another question, the Bump Stop I'm about to use in the Strut Assembly is Rein-branded, am I going to have problems getting that to fit properly too? I sure hope not, lol
That tie rod bellow / boot was Rein Branded, and from what I was told is not OEM--it's a universal piece.

[kleinewunder]

Well, this is absurd. I reused the old boot from the former tie rod assembly and voila--using a new 59mm Oetiker Clamp, the fit was perfect, no resistance, no hassle at all.

I was told earlier today that the boots I purchased (Rein-Brand) are not OEM and that differences "may" be there in which it forces the end-user to use a different style clamp or simply zip-tie.


Now the ultimate question comes, should I purchase new Boots from Audi Direct or reuse the old boots? The old boots are in fair condition, however, they aren't as rigid as the new ones. The old ones feel more pliable.

Here's the irony, even julex mentioned earlier today---use genuine boot!

Seriously?.... lol

I've had issues with these Rein boots too. Made of a more plasticy less rubbery material than o.e. Had to heat and stretch them for 1/2 an hour before they would fit over the end of the rack. Surprised me because I've had very good results with Rein CV joint boots. The rack boots are definitely one part where it is worth the extra money to go o.e.