When replacing any control arms, is an alignment necessary?
09-17-2001, 12:33 PM
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When replacing any control arms, is an alignment necessary?
It's obvious that it is recommended, but does a change occur to any of the suspension settings?
I'm about to tackle the front lowers, and the front uppers feel loose too. Iieeeee!
I'm about to tackle the front lowers, and the front uppers feel loose too. Iieeeee!
09-17-2001, 01:05 PM
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Here's the scoop......
Posted by Bob Petruska on 5/13/01
https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/561790.phtml
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There are 8 control arms on the front. Alignment is required when certain ones are replaced. I would say most dealers probably replace the control arms and never do an alignment even when required. The rear most lower control arms on the front require the sub frame of the car be lowered to replace them. This definitely could throw off the alignment. Bottom line....when your tires start wearing funny then you need the alignment. The price to pay for a **** poor control arm design....
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This is the info for the 4 control arms on the front (1 side)...
Front upper - called Front Upper Link- alignment required.
Rear upper - called Rear Upper Link - alignment not required.
Front lower - called Lower Track Control Link - alignment not required.
Rear Lower - called Guide Link - alignment not required.
All 4 control arms have a bushing and ball joint each. Thus the squeaks, creaks, groans, and clunks can come from any arm.
================================================== ===========================
Latest Control Arm Part #'s as of 6/14/01:
Front Upper L: 8D0 407 505K R: 8D0 407 506K
Rear Upper L: 4D9 407 693AC R: 4D9 407 694AC
Front Lower L: 4D0 407 151P R: SAME
Rear Lower L: 4D0 407 509D R: 4D0 407 510D
Sway Bar links: L: 8D0 411 317D R: 8D0 411 318D
These were given to me today by my Audi Parts counter.
https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/561790.phtml
-------------------------------
There are 8 control arms on the front. Alignment is required when certain ones are replaced. I would say most dealers probably replace the control arms and never do an alignment even when required. The rear most lower control arms on the front require the sub frame of the car be lowered to replace them. This definitely could throw off the alignment. Bottom line....when your tires start wearing funny then you need the alignment. The price to pay for a **** poor control arm design....
-------------------------------
This is the info for the 4 control arms on the front (1 side)...
Front upper - called Front Upper Link- alignment required.
Rear upper - called Rear Upper Link - alignment not required.
Front lower - called Lower Track Control Link - alignment not required.
Rear Lower - called Guide Link - alignment not required.
All 4 control arms have a bushing and ball joint each. Thus the squeaks, creaks, groans, and clunks can come from any arm.
================================================== ===========================
Latest Control Arm Part #'s as of 6/14/01:
Front Upper L: 8D0 407 505K R: 8D0 407 506K
Rear Upper L: 4D9 407 693AC R: 4D9 407 694AC
Front Lower L: 4D0 407 151P R: SAME
Rear Lower L: 4D0 407 509D R: 4D0 407 510D
Sway Bar links: L: 8D0 411 317D R: 8D0 411 318D
These were given to me today by my Audi Parts counter.
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