Questions and Answers

Audi TT Bent Over And Banged? Q. I purchased a new 2000 Audi TT with front wheel drive, 180 HP. The dealership says I have a bent rear axle and stub axle and need a new bearing also, total repair: $1800.00. They (and the Audi representative) refuse to fix it under the warranty because it was caused by an "outside influence". I discovered it about three months before the 3-year warranty ran out.

There are no dents or scrapes on the right rear wheel rim (wheel in question), nor scuff marks on the undercarriage. I have talked to some frame & axle people and they tell me you practically have to crack a wheel to bend an axle.

When the car was new it had a vibration (not through the steering wheel) that made the passenger seat squeak Over the life of the warranty I logged numerous complaints of vibrations, squeaks, folding seat latch rattles, etc. on my PM's but the problems were not corrected.

Strangely, about a year before I was told of the bent axle, the dealership aligned the wheels. The document showed a toe-in problem and negative camber of 3.7 (it is over 4 now) on the right rear wheel but nothing was said at the time, and I was charged for the alignment.

I maintain the car was probably dropped during shipment on the right rear wheel when loading or unloading from the boat or in transit to the dealer. The fact the dealer ignored the serious mis-alignment looks like a cover-up.

Question #1 Do you think I have a case to sue Audi and the dealer to fix the axle? Is there any other alternative?

Question #2 Where can I go to purchase the rear axle, stub axle and bearing so I do not have to pay the rip off prices at the dealer.

Thanks so much for your help.
Lonnie

PS... All work and PM's were done at the same dealership where I bought the car. No one else has worked on it.

A. I'm no lawyer Lonnie, but if you have documentation of all of this, all the repair orders and such, I would think you have a decent case. From what you've told me you have evidence that the camber was way out of specification and that would show the bent spindle (stub shaft) right there

I would talk to an Attorney to find out exactly what your rights are in your particular state. Or you could try it in small claims court if they have a high enough limit. Some small claims courts have a $2500.00 limit and others a $1500.00 limit. You can hire a professional witness (Mechanical) to testify to the what the readings mean, how they affect the vehicle and the cause.

As for the parts you need to repair the car, you can find them at any parts store. Or if you don't mind used parts, a junk yard.