Tie rod ends Recommendation.

[dalmation53]

My car is at 165k miles and is getting ready for new outter tie rods. I know for a fact the karlyn tie rods are garbage. I now have the OEMs. I know lemforder is oem replacement but $$$.... So we have meyle HD, and delphi. Can anyone recommend a good brand of tie rods they have been running for years with no problems. Also should i replace my inners just for the hell of it?

[Audibot]

How about TRW? That's what I had on my B7 the last time I did replacements. Tried the Meyle HD ones, but they failed too quickly (thanks to FCP though for that warranty--gave me store credit b/c I decided on the TRWs)

[dalmation53]

How about TRW? That's what I had on my B7 the last time I did replacements. Tried the Meyle HD ones, but they failed too quickly (thanks to FCP though for that warranty--gave me store credit b/c I decided on the TRWs)

See i don't want to keep replacing tie rods once a year. I do the work myself but i have to align it too. And well TRWS seems like a good choice. I can't believe meyle failed on you so quickly

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[Audibot]

Yeah, neither could my shop when I couldn't figure out what was up. They said they had noticed the quality of Meyle declined a few years ago, so there is that. I understand about not wanting to keep replacing them--that's why I just said "OK" to the TRWs, plus shop gave me 3 yr warranty with them.

[dalmation53]

Yeah, neither could my shop when I couldn't figure out what was up. They said they had noticed the quality of Meyle declined a few years ago, so there is that. I understand about not wanting to keep replacing them--that's why I just said "OK" to the TRWs, plus shop gave me 3 yr warranty with them.

How long have you had them? And does the steering feel tight like normal?

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[EvolutionArmory]

I’ve bought Febi/Bilstein or Meyle in the past. No issues.

[b7_Andy]

I have the 034 outer tie rods. The boots opened up after 40 miles, not 40,000 miles, 40 miles... I’m still running them with no problems yet, but I’m not expecting them to last long.


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[dalmation53]

I have the 034 outer tie rods. The boots opened up after 40 miles, not 40,000 miles, 40 miles... I’m still running them with no problems yet, but I’m not expecting them to last long.


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Haha wtf bro are you serious? I don't understand how they sell this parts and thet are so shitty. Looking at everyones replies look like i'm going to be buying lemforder even though they are expensive.

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[b7_Andy]

Haha wtf bro are you serious? I don't understand how they sell this parts and thet are so shitty. Looking at everyones replies look like i'm going to be buying lemforder even though they are expensive.

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I have the lemforder inner tie rods and they seem quality.

[dalmation53]

I have the lemforder inner tie rods and they seem quality.

Yeah the other guy above states the febi ones. Hmmm 🤔

[dalmation53]

I’ve bought Febi/Bilstein or Meyle in the past. No issues.

What are You currently running now?

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[b7_Andy]

@EvolutionArmory doesn’t put any miles on his car... I wouldn’t trust him


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[dalmation53]

@EvolutionArmory doesn’t put any miles on his car... I wouldn’t trust him


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Oh garage queen...

[b7_Andy]

Oh garage queen...

No I was kidding haha, I’m pretty sure he drives like 60,000 miles a year or something like that... if I’m thinking of the same guy, I’ve never been good with names.

[dalmation53]

No I was kidding haha, I’m pretty sure he drives like 60,000 miles a year or something like that... if I’m thinking of the same guy, I’ve never been good with names.

60k a year 😲😲😲😲 Bruh..

[EvolutionArmory]

60k a year 😲😲😲😲 Bruh..

That was on my TDI Jetta. I did 120K in 2 years. My B7 only sees like 5-600 miles a week. 😀 Which is still a pretty good amount of miles.

I put Febi tie rods on my other Audi, a 1997 A4 about 10 years ago. Still hanging in there. I also did a lot of freelance mechanic work when I was an unemployed auto mechanic. I installed a TON of ultimate control arm kits from Febi.

If my tie rods went today I’d probably buy Febi.

[67Twisty]

I'd go Lemforder. Although more expensive upfront, you'll probably never have to do them again. Control arms, tie rods, anything involved with steering/safety it's good to stick with quality parts. I used Karlyn from the FCP group buy kit and although the the boots held up, they started rusting which I didn't experience with the Lemforders. I've used TRW sway bar links and they were a good buy.

[EvolutionArmory]

I'd go Lemforder. Although more expensive upfront, you'll probably never have to do them again. Control arms, tie rods, anything involved with steering/safety it's good to stick with quality parts. I used Karlyn from the FCP group buy kit and although the the boots held up, they started rusting which I didn't experience with the Lemforders. I've used TRW sway bar links and they were a good buy.

Words to live by ^^

A couple more bucks up front actually saves you money.

[4rings5stars]

Are the Karlyns the ones in the regular FCP CA kit? I was planning on going that route, as I have no problem swapping arms out every two years(Me personally, YMMV). I had a Karlyn inner on our Volvo make it all of 6k. If that's the case, I may have to reconsider.

[67Twisty]

Are the Karlyns the ones in the regular FCP CA kit? I was planning on going that route, as I have no problem swapping arms out every two years(Me personally, YMMV). I had a Karlyn inner on our Volvo make it all of 6k. If that's the case, I may have to reconsider.

Yes. That whole kit contains made in China parts with Karlyn tie rod ends. FCP does offer lifetime warranty so if they fail they'll replace, but I think there's better quality options available. I have Lemforder upper arms and they've gone 60k with no noticeable wear.

[4rings5stars]

Yes. That whole kit contains made in China parts with Karlyn tie rod ends. FCP does offer lifetime warranty so if they fail they'll replace, but I think there's better quality options available. I have Lemforder upper arms and they've gone 60k with no noticeable wear.

Thank you. That's very helpful. I may go a more robust direction even though I have no issue doing the swap when needed, even with me being 30 mins from FCP.

[dalmation53]

I'd go Lemforder. Although more expensive upfront, you'll probably never have to do them again. Control arms, tie rods, anything involved with steering/safety it's good to stick with quality parts. I used Karlyn from the FCP group buy kit and although the the boots held up, they started rusting which I didn't experience with the Lemforders. I've used TRW sway bar links and they were a good buy.

I bought ebay upper control arms from a partscontainer seller and they have been amazing. Paid $60 for them still running strong. Yes i agree lemforder is oem for audi correct? Just not stamped with the vw/audi logo?

[hemantpd1]

I am using Meyle HD outer tie rod for last 15000 miles with no issue.

[dalmation53]

I am using Meyle HD outer tie rod for last 15000 miles with no issue.

I don't understand. And the other member ran those for 40 miles and the boot broke. Do you have any pictures. You can provide to see how they look?

[EvolutionArmory]

I don't understand. And the other member ran those for 40 miles and the boot broke. Do you have any pictures. You can provide to see how they look?

If you make thousands of parts you’re going to get a bad one from time to time. Could just be that his was made on a Friday after lunch.

[dalmation53]

If you make thousands of parts you’re going to get a bad one from time to time. Could just be that his was made on a Friday after lunch.

Lol or a holiday that someone had to work to provide for the family 😁

[EvolutionArmory]

Lol or a holiday that someone had to work to provide for the family 😁

Yep. I can hear the guy now. “Gotta come in on Christmas Eve to make damn tie rods for the man. I should be wasted drinking nogg right now!!”

Lol

[dalmation53]

Yep. I can hear the guy now. “Gotta come in on Christmas Eve to make damn tie rods for the man. I should be wasted drinking nogg right now!!”

Lol

Lol I don't blame people man. I remember my first job was a call center. Which i hated and had to work on sundays while my family were in rivers having bbqs i was in a bad mood all day

[67Twisty]

I bought ebay upper control arms from a partscontainer seller and they have been amazing. Paid $60 for them still running strong. Yes i agree lemforder is oem for audi correct? Just not stamped with the vw/audi logo?

Correct on Lemforder as OEM. Same with many BMW parts. They manufacture the same part for sale under their own name and in some cases etch-out the Audi logo if selling excess stock. INA does this too for cetertain parts like tensioners and water pumps. If your car is lowered significantly from stock, I can see going with aftermarket adjustable arm. The Lemforders would wear quickly if used in a config outside of their OE spec. For items like tie-rods, you can get lucky with certain aftermarket like Meyle or Febi if they stay on top of quality control. But I’ve had more luck with OE suppliers in this regard.

[hemantpd1]

I don't understand. And the other member ran those for 40 miles and the boot broke. Do you have any pictures. You can provide to see how they look?

Here is the photo of 15000 miles.

[Theiceman]

my buddy just got lemfoerder arms for his TT , paid extra as he wanted German oem , showed up stamped " made in china"

those damn Chinese Germans !!!

[Audibot]

"Made in China" isn't necessarily a bad thing from a quality standpoint, particularly if the company imposes strict guidelines and actually monitors and enforces them.

[67Twisty]

"Made in China" isn't necessarily a bad thing from a quality standpoint, particularly if the company imposes strict guidelines and actually monitors and enforces them.

Many of the Meyle and Febi parts are also now outsourced to China. Agreed it depends on the particular supplier’s QC. Still, I got excited last week when my Iwis timing chain showed-up in a box stamped “made in Germany”.

[fallingreason]

I just replaced mine at 90k with Meyle HD heavy duty ends. Took all of 30 minutes. (were not seized) Ball joints in the old ends were loose as hell

[dalmation53]

Here is the photo of 15000 miles.

Thanks for providing the picture man. I see your stock suspension. I'm lowered. Not that low but still low. Wonder how they will hold up with a low car.

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[dalmation53]

my buddy just got lemfoerder arms for his TT , paid extra as he wanted German oem , showed up stamped " made in china"

those damn Chinese Germans !!!

Lol no way.. 😂 are sex robots going to be made in china too? Haha

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[4rings5stars]

Lol no way.. 😂 are sex robots going to be made in china too? Haha

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I have it on good authority that those are the best sex robots

[dalmation53]

I have it on good authority that those are the best sex robots

I low key wanna get one just to make her Cook and wash my car hahahah.