Tie Rod and Steering Knuckle snapped? need help

[SlowB8.5]

So I was driving the S4 in the now and hit a patch of ice and slid into a curb, front right wheel impacted, and now the wheel moves independently from the rest of the steering. So if I turn the steering wheel to the right, the wheel does not move. Just went out there this morning and jacked it up and took off the wheel and inspected. The tie rod was hanging down, and it looks to have broken right out of what I think is the steering knuckle, so I took some pictures. It's hard to see but on the end of the tie rod, where its covered in ice is where it was attached to the knuckle. I know I will need a new tie rod, but will I need a new knuckle? Please Help!!

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[irish07]

Definitely need the knuckle, bearing and hub. Odds are you might also need to go the length of replacing the inner+outer rod ends and possible the rack versus just the tie rod end..


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[SlowB8.5]

are you sure I need to replace all of that? seems a little excessive.

[Ashtonts]

are you sure I need to replace all of that? seems a little excessive.

Frankly with hitting a curb you’d be lucky if that was all that’s damaged and needs to be replaced.

If you have the hydraulic rack you may get lucky, but there’s a good chance an impact like this would destroy the electric rack.

At absolute minimum, you need a new knuckle & tie rod end. Imo no sense in trying to swap your existing hub & bearing over — will be a TON of work due to corrosion from living in a snow environment, and those parts tend to be problematic on these cars anyways. Very good chance you’ll need inner tie rod or other control arm/suspension components.

[chrismadson]

are you sure I need to replace all of that? seems a little excessive.

The inner tie rod and rack would only need to be replaced if they are damaged (which there is some likelihood). But knuckle, hub/bearing, and outer tie rod are a must.


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[SlowB8.5]

How would I be able to tell if the rack is broken? Hydraulic I assume as its a 2012.

[Ashtonts]

How would I be able to tell if the rack is broken? Hydraulic I assume as its a 2012.

Check for any obvious damage, but if it works as intended when you put it back together, you’re probably fine

[chrismadson]

Check for any obvious damage, but if it works as intended when you put it back together, you’re probably fine

Listen for grinding noises and/or jumping teeth.

Get the car on the ground and go full lock to lock. Count how many turns and divide by 2. Then from each lock, come back by that number and you should be in the center with your wheels pointed straight ahead. If it isn’t, you may have a damaged rack.


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[SlowB8.5]

And If I replace everything on one side of the suspension, will I have to replace everything on the other side?
=

[chrismadson]

And If I replace everything on one side of the suspension, will I have to replace everything on the other side?
=

You don’t HAVE to… it all depends on the condition and mileage of the other side. That being said, the only wear items you have listed are the bearing and outer tie rod. If those are tight on the other side, then you should be fine.

One caveat though, if you snapped the steering knuckle at the outer tie rod, I would bet there is at least one bent control arm if not more. The steering arm on the knuckle is very short compared to the length of a control arm and so there is not a ton of mechanical advantage when force is applied. If there was enough to break that spot, then there was more than enough to bend a control arm or 2… or more.

You can chance it and just replace what you know to be damaged and then find out on the alignment if everything else is ok.

This might be a good time to refresh all of your control arms since you will be in there. They are not too pricey if you don’t need/want the 034 stuff.


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[rand0mher0]

You can get away with replacing just the knuckle. But your inner and outer tie rod are almost certainly bent. You wont know how bad until you get the new knuckle on and see what the steering angle is. Also yes, wheel bearing is likely compromised but if you buy a used knuckle / hub assembly, it'll have the wheel bearing in it that was in the car it was pulled from.

If you want to make sure you have no problems. Replace all the above. Or take it one step at a time. Or call up insurance and let them total the car.

[SlowB8.5]

are the steering knuckles the same on a b8 as a b8.5?