Replacing Control arms every 30,000 miles????
06-26-2002, 06:11 PM
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Replacing Control arms every 30,000 miles????
I read in a car forum Q&A where it was said that it is normal for 99-down A4's to need control arm replacement is normal every 30,000 miles becuase the ball joints were poorly designed.
Im in the Market for an A4 of that year right now but at the cost of replacement Im having second thoughts. Has anyone had experience with this problem? Are there any after market improvements for this problem
Im in the Market for an A4 of that year right now but at the cost of replacement Im having second thoughts. Has anyone had experience with this problem? Are there any after market improvements for this problem
06-26-2002, 06:31 PM
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Re: Replacing Control arms every 30,000 miles????
I never heard of having to replace the control arms, I've got 85,000 kms on my 98 A4 and the car never had the control arms replaced.
To set correct camber after lowering the car, no camber kits are available, you will need to purchase different control arms if you want to set camber to factory specs. (I lowered mine and put on 18" wheels but did not change the control arms - getting a bit of camber wear...).
This is the only time I heard of changing the control arms. For AutoXing I think it is common to change the bushings though.
To set correct camber after lowering the car, no camber kits are available, you will need to purchase different control arms if you want to set camber to factory specs. (I lowered mine and put on 18" wheels but did not change the control arms - getting a bit of camber wear...).
This is the only time I heard of changing the control arms. For AutoXing I think it is common to change the bushings though.
06-26-2002, 06:33 PM
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Those are some strong words.... Some people had problems, and some didn't..
The cause of it, still varies. I don't think anyone has put their finger on why it failed. Or if they have I missed it.
I know for a fact I changed my upper control arms, because I torn the boots installing my suspension. So water and dirt penetrated the joint. And made it loose. Altho some people have had audi pay for new control arms and tie rods on the older audi's.
As for aftermarket, there are some. Custom performance makes some, and forge motorsports makes bushings.
jaime
I know for a fact I changed my upper control arms, because I torn the boots installing my suspension. So water and dirt penetrated the joint. And made it loose. Altho some people have had audi pay for new control arms and tie rods on the older audi's.
As for aftermarket, there are some. Custom performance makes some, and forge motorsports makes bushings.
jaime
06-27-2002, 02:29 AM
#7
Nonsense. No bushings or balljoints are ever expected to be lifetime parts..
Its just that on the A4, you can't replace only the bushings or balljoints, and there are 8 of the little buggers. They do fail prematurely, wihch is more of a manufactureing defect than design. From what I have seen, the grease dries up and then falls out. IF you could get more grease in there, you could get theoretically increase the life of the joints/arms.
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06-27-2002, 05:34 AM
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I agree, control arms should last the life of the car...that's not the defect though.
The problem is in the bushings and Audi doesn't supply the bushings by themselves, so the entire arm must be replaced at a higher cost, unfortunately.
06-27-2002, 05:48 AM
#10
Yes, but since it's all one piece, you can't replace just the bushing or balljoint..
I agree that on a 'regular' suspension, the arms should be lifetime parts, but these cars are very different. =)