I've got an early 2005 Jetta, (mark4) with 102,000 miles on it. About a week ago I noticed a little wobble in the car around 40 mph - any faster or slower and it goes away. Yesterday, at 70mph, it wobbled again, but much more pronounced, and with a slight audible noise. Now it wobbles at higher speeds, but only intermittently. It feels like a tire is flat or separating, but all 4 are new and in good balance. The shop I take it to told me, without looking, it was probably a tripod joint and I would likely need a new axle, $800. Does this sound remotely possible, or are these guys taking advantage or me. Any thoughts on what else it might be?

 

Could be one of your joints that doesn't call for a whole new axle though. It could also be a wheel bearing, ball joint or a control arm link.