Seized Tie Rods

**VAG_4ever** · 03-12-2010 12:04 PM

I went to get an alignment done and they couldn't do it due to my tie rod bolts being completely seized. They said it was pretty much solid.. inner and outer on both sides. However, there is no play in the tie rods.

Question- How much a threat is it to run the car like this? What are the possibilities, if any, that could go wrong? Obviously I'm gonna burn through tires every 7 months like I have been without an alignment... but besides that...?

Thanks guys,
-Mere

**doublezero30** · 03-12-2010 12:27 PM

i mean, obviously for the alignment issue youre going to want to take care of it. if its just the adjustment nuts that are frozen, you should be safe to drive on it besides the tire wear.

**lookaught** · 03-12-2010 01:36 PM

How exactly is the inner tie rod seized? The nut is inside the boot which is sealed, it should not seize. You can always just replace both inner and outer on both sides.

I would take it to a different shop... what shop did this alignment?

**VAG_4ever** · 03-12-2010 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by lookaught

How exactly is the inner tie rod seized? The nut is inside the boot which is sealed, it should not seize. You can always just replace both inner and outer on both sides.

I would take it to a different shop... what shop did this alignment?

They didn't do the alignment because they can't move the tie rods.. It was at the Audi dealership.

**ECS Tuning-Audi** · 03-12-2010 02:18 PM

Rather than buying tires, I would spend a few hours with a buddy and replace the inner and outer ends. They are not costly by any means and you car's tire wear and handling characteristics will be much better than driving around out of alignment.

Click here for an inner and outer tie rod assembly

**VAG_4ever** · 03-12-2010 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by Chris@ECSTuning

Rather than buying tires, I would spend a few hours with a buddy and replace the inner and outer ends. They are not costly by any means and you car's tire wear and handling characteristics will be much better than driving around out of alignment.

Click here for an inner and outer tie rod assembly

Yes, I am eventually going to get them.. but I need to know how long I can drive on the seized ones and if any other problems will escalate from it (besides excessive tire wear) until I am able to get the new tie rods.

**lookaught** · 03-12-2010 03:48 PM

I just find it very curious that the inner tie rod is seized. Its common for the outer to seize to the inner, but not for the inner to seize to the rack because it is covered by a dust boot.

**VAG_4ever** · 03-13-2010 05:33 AM

Originally Posted by lookaught

I just find it very curious that the inner tie rod is seized. Its common for the outer to seize to the inner, but not for the inner to seize to the rack because it is covered by a dust boot.

Couldn't tell ya.. this is just what I've heard directly from the dealer.. Haven't had a chance to check it out or do anything yet.

**Dan1969** · 03-13-2010 05:02 PM

My guess, they're ok, the dealer was just trying to get you to buy new tie rods.

Did you get a second opinion? Is not easy for tie rods to seize, is not an item that commonly seizes like control arms.

**anderskt** · 03-13-2010 05:14 PM

the outer tierods can seize...you're just going to eat through tires

**spyder101** · 03-13-2010 05:52 PM

I've replaced hundreds of tie rod ends...inner and outer. The threds become so rusted and oxidized that they become "frozen" and at a sertain point, they cannot be broken loose unless damage is done in the process. From here BOTH inner and outer are replaced at the same time. This is very normal in colder weather areas of the U.S.

**VAG_4ever** · 03-14-2010 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by Dan1969

My guess, they're ok, the dealer was just trying to get you to buy new tie rods.

Did you get a second opinion? Is not easy for tie rods to seize, is not an item that commonly seizes like control arms.

Nah, they aren't like that.. I know the service people well and they know they can't really screw me over..

What spyder is talking about below the "frozen" part is exactly what they said.

**Dan1969** · 03-14-2010 01:06 PM

Then it's probably time to change them. I just changed my outter ones, along with all my control arms, being that the car is from California I didn't ran into the problem, but I've seen them rusted completely and had to cut some of them off, but still soaking them into WD40 or any other Water displacement product helps.

**b6a41.8tbagg** · 03-16-2011 02:38 PM

went to get an alignment and they said that my tie rods were seized together, so i baught an entire control arm kit that comes with tie rods.how hard is it to replace all that diy,dont feel like getting robbed at the stealership

**Antekaudi** · 03-16-2011 03:02 PM

I had to replace both of my tie rods when i did alignment...

**BLkdOutTa4** · 03-16-2011 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by b6a41.8tbagg

went to get an alignment and they said that my tie rods were seized together, so i baught an entire control arm kit that comes with tie rods.how hard is it to replace all that diy,dont feel like getting robbed at the stealership

Use the search and you will find the diy

**wheelmanbg** · 03-17-2011 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by b6a41.8tbagg

went to get an alignment and they said that my tie rods were seized together, so i baught an entire control arm kit that comes with tie rods.how hard is it to replace all that diy,dont feel like getting robbed at the stealership

Just did this on mine. I spent 1 full day doing the passenger side and at the end of the day realized I had the wrong lower control arm. I spent almost another full day replacing that control arm and the driver's side. Make sure you have ball joint removal tools (both the fork style and a threaded kind).

If I had to do it again, I could do it in less than a day.

And obviously you need to take it in for an alignment right after you do it.

**rschaney** · 04-09-2011 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by spyder101

I've replaced hundreds of tie rod ends...inner and outer. The threds become so rusted and oxidized that they become "frozen" and at a sertain point, they cannot be broken loose unless damage is done in the process. From here BOTH inner and outer are replaced at the same time. This is very normal in colder weather areas of the U.S.

What would you recommend in order to remove a seized outer tie rod end? I have a replacement but can get the outer to break free. The lock nut was easy to move. Should I apply a penetrating oil? If so, what oil would be most effective?

Please advise. Thanks, Roger

**Rirruto** · 04-10-2011 05:53 AM

Spray some PB Blaster on there and let it sit for a while.

**cuerna** · 05-01-2011 10:29 AM

I just bought new inner tie rods at oreilly autoparts for my A4 FWD turbo B6 ( $11 each yes!! $11 each!!) . amazing price, and the rods look fine to me.

**32_d3gr33s** · 05-16-2011 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by Subie_4ever

I went to get an alignment done and they couldn't do it due to my tie rod bolts being completely seized. They said it was pretty much solid.. inner and outer on both sides. However, there is no play in the tie rods.

Question- How much a threat is it to run the car like this? What are the possibilities, if any, that could go wrong? Obviously I'm gonna burn through tires every 7 months like I have been without an alignment... but besides that...?

Thanks guys,
-Mere

did you ever get them fixed??? They told me the same thing when i went to get mine done... ever have any problems?

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