bent track rod

[g maddox]

just got home on back of relay wagon with my bruised a2.i managed to swing out of a parking bay and a silly little 18" post went right in between my fully turned wheel and the wheel arch.looks like the track rods pretty bent and a plastic cover is broken but in the dark that looks like all the damage.does anyone out there have any experience of bent track rods and associated costs.thanx again

[ULP]

Hi G, I had some repair work done after an accident on ULP a few months back, which included the track rod end:

Track Rod £66.08 + VAT
Various Nuts about £4.00 + VAT

Labour's the killer - Audi will insist on a 4-wheel alignment.

4-wheel alignment £144.00 + VAT

Labour for the rest of my total work (ex alignment) was 4 hours, but that lot will probably be an hour. Hitchin charge £117ph (phew!)

Therefore a total bill would be roughly £330 + VAT.

[tdiman]

Sorry to bring bad news but the former eggberts' bent track arm cost around the same as ULP was charged, best get a VAG specialist to do the work or a trusted mechanic, labour rate is the killer (£95 / hour)

[hollyrescue]

Elite of Dagenham do a 4 wheel tracking and alignment for less than 50 quid, or they did last time I had it done. I understand many main dealers take vehicles there for that service. They do have a web site.

[g maddox]

you were very close with your estimate.the dealers have given me a price of 370.00 all inclusive. incidentally on an unrelated issue, my car has gone back to overheating again exactly as it did before.i had my cam belt and waterpump changed & all seemed well for about 3 weeks and now im back to staying below 60mph again.

[g maddox]

The old girls back on the road again,perhaps i should call her daisy, anyway after being quoted 370.00 all inc for replacement of track rod assy they turned round and charged me 250.00 all inc instead so i shouldnt complain.just have to keep my eyes open in future.