orangedawg

I'm planning on doing a full upper and lower control arm replacement. I've got the Febi kit. I've got the write-ups but have a few questions:

1. Do you have to remove the "knuckle" to replace lower control arms?
2. Do you put anti-seize on (a)the entire bolt, (b) just the shafts, or (c) just the threads?
3. How long should it take for one person, who is fairly slow at this, to do the job?
4. Any additional advice on this job?

Thanks!
2004 A4 2.8 Quattro w/factory sport suspension

wrp

No - the driveshaft will hold the knuckle to the car.

Put anti-seize on everything.

If this is your first time, it will take at least 3-4 hours for the first side, then 2-3 hours for the second side.

Be sure you have the right tools, including something to remove the lower ball joints. (Audi/VW calls it tool 3287a, but Harbor Freight has it for abotu $10-$20) Raise both sides of the front of the car, to balance the force on the anti-sway bar. Use new nuts/bolts. To remove the rear lower arm bolts, you might need to loosen a few bolts that hold the subframe together, but don't loosen too much. Have a can of PB nearby. Also be sure the suspension is resting normally before torquing the arm bushing bolts. You might want to replace the rotor and pads while you're in there. Get an alignment when you're finished.