Loobie

I cannot wait till these get recalled. I have a squeaking control arm that is very obnoxious...can i replace the busthing and or arm myself or do i need audi to do it. It is the lower front one (the squeak seems to be coming from the pivot that is closest to the wheel.
thanks,
Dave

frame2

u can change the bushing if lube doesn't fix it

Loobie

I sprayed some stuff in there before(penetrating lube...) but it keeps coming back

Bob Petruska

not the bushing with the what you describe.

The complete arm must be changed as the ball joint can not be removed from the arm

Cost about $500 with labor. You can fight with AoA and they may cover the arm and you pay the $100 labor.

Someone posted here a few days ago that Audi has a kit of all 8 front control arms for $500. If that is true then that's a super, super bargin! I would go that route if you plan on keeping the car as the other 7 control arms will probably fail shortly also. I have had 3 of the 4 lower arms replaced within 3 months of each other. I have a '97.

A4Driver

Bob,

When your control arms needed to be replaced, did you have to pay for the job and then AOA reimbursed you later, or did they absorb the cost up front and only charge you for labor?

I ask because I'm starting to hear a clunking (not a squeek) from my front end (driver's side), and before I bring my car to the dealer, I want to be prepared in case it's a control arm problem.

Thanks.

KayKay

Bob,
I have creaking noises that occur when the steering wheel is turned either clockwise or anti-clockwise 45degrees..! The noise gets more louder (i.e more irritable..)when the engine is warm/hot. The noise (seems like the bushel is rubbing against a surface) seems to occur only when the car is stationary. Do u think it is a control-arm problem ?

Regards

KK
Audi 97 QM

James R.

totally OT question...but are you an Aussie or a Brit perchance?

Bob Petruska

If it sounds like two ballons being rubbed together when turning the steering with the car stationary I would point to bad ball joints on the control arms. The bushings usually have a creaking or clunking sound when going along a bumpy road at slow speeds and usually enhanced with light brake pedal pressure.

Bob Petruska

Pay the bill, then keep on AoA to reimburse for parts at least. It's a design flaw....Audi should be responsible for porr engineering!

The dealers usually don't want to be involved, I can't blame them as it's not their fault.

Someone recently posted that there was an Audi kit that had all 8 front control arms for $500. If true, that's a very super big bargin and I would go for that and pay the labor as it would probably cost over $4000 to replace all 8 control arms over time.

KayKay

James,
Sorry to dissapoint but I am Malaysian. Your question is understandable...as we had (in my time.) an educational curriculum that is similar to the Brits. i.e complete with 'O' and 'A' levels.

Taa taa

KK