# Signs of bad struts **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [September 7, 2007, 3:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/signs-of-bad-struts/4266 "2007-09-07T03:45:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ffdsmokeeater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@ffdsmokeeater](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ffdsmokeeater)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2007, 3:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/signs-of-bad-struts/4266/1 "2007-09-07T03:45:30Z")
I have a 1999 Audi A8 and I think the struts/shocks need to be replaced. I live in the College Park MD area and my car has around 100,000 miles on it. The front right wheel compartment has been making a lot of squeaky and metal grinding noise when i go over bumps and stop and go. I got a quote for new struts/shocks for just the front and it was $1300. But when I look up shock absorbers I price them at $123.00 How is this possible and do i have the correct problem dignoasis? ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2007, 5:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/signs-of-bad-struts/4266/2 "2007-09-07T05:51:19Z")
A strut can make that kind of noise but a sway bar could also do the same thing. So could a dry ball joint or tie rod end. I think you’re confusing shock and strut. A shock is usually cheaper but still way expensive on an Audi. A quick look shows shocks at about 130 each and most car parts houses do not even list struts as being available. An on-line look shows struts, NOT shocks, at around 400 to 500 bucks apiece; and yes, they’re always replaced in pairs. Ouch. Welcome to the Audi world. ---
**Author:** ![ffdsmokeeater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@ffdsmokeeater](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ffdsmokeeater)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2007, 4:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/signs-of-bad-struts/4266/3 "2007-09-08T16:10:53Z")
I went on out looked under the car today… the ball joint boot was ripped and the joints were faily dry. How can i replace this? ---
**Author:** ![ffdsmokeeater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@ffdsmokeeater](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ffdsmokeeater)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2007, 4:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/signs-of-bad-struts/4266/4 "2007-09-08T16:31:22Z")
could this be my problem? [http://www.audiforums.com/recalls-and-tsbs/make\_AUDI/model\_A8/year\_1999/id\_48841/Recall.htm](http://www.audiforums.com/recalls-and-tsbs/make_AUDI/model_A8/year_1999/id_48841/Recall.htm) ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2007, 6:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/signs-of-bad-struts/4266/5 "2007-09-08T18:36:28Z")
Yes, a dry tie rod end can creak, groan, squeek, or even pop like a firecracker. This is a safety issue and since it’s a recall, and absolutely free of charge to you, then I would advise getting this repaired quickly. Mitsubish had a similar recall on the Galant in regards to rubber boots and lower ball joints. Unfortunately, Mitsubishi had a very narrow standard of what constitutes a fault and dismissed a lot of them as fine. There have been a number of lower ball joint failures even after the recall was done and the joints signed off on. One of my daughter’s cars was one of them when a ball joint broke but luckily, it was while turning into a driveway. Mitsubishi still won’t do anything about that one. I don’t think you will run into this kind of problem with VW/Audi. ---
**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2007, 4:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/signs-of-bad-struts/4266/6 "2007-09-09T04:19:11Z")
Well, Audi says they informed the owners 8 years ago. This car does have 100K and 8 years on the clock. Chances are the recall work has probably been done, and your on the hook for the fix. Ouch, I’ll bet the revised estimate will be higher. ---
**Author:** ![pleasedodgevan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/51bf81/32.png) [@pleasedodgevan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pleasedodgevan)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2007, 4:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/signs-of-bad-struts/4266/7 "2007-09-09T04:48:57Z")
Make sure the lug nuts are tight.