ThaboTheWuff

I've found the source of the noise I've had for the past 6 years, very annoying clunk! Help me fix it - see video below, how easy is it and how much will it cost. I believe its the rear strut lower bushing?


http://youtu.be/9puew0XWcm8

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9puew0XWcm8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

silverd2

I've never had that arm out and there may be a shortcut I don't know about, BUT according to Bentley, it includes first removing the coil spring (which I have done...VERY tough and VERY involved).

That arm is called the rear "transverse link"...it must be removed to change out the bushing(s), which is tough job in itself, if you don't have special tools and/or a press. The bolt that goes through the bushing you're pointing out is also the eccentric bolt used to adjust rear toe, so an alignment afterwards also required.

Part # for the entire link (w/bushings) 4D0 505 323 K ...$282 at PartsGeek... and much higher at dealers and elsewhere.

The bushing, #4D0 505 203 E (or "B" for the one the shock attaches to) are about $65 each.

nyrobbie77

is the rear suspension different on the facelift cars? when i replaced the rear springs on my 97 it was easy peasy. i just unbolted the control arm at the spindle and swung it down, out comes the spring.

silverd2

Same rear suspension.

Yes, getting the spring out is incredibly easy...I unbolted the inside bolts on the lower "a arm" (trapezoidal link) and swung down with help from a jack so it didn't fly outta there...being told this method by a working Audi tech (the way it's done at the dealer), rather than using the super expensive clam-shell compressor in the Bentley.
Getting it back in (done this twice) was a royal pain...near impossible to get both bushings lined up to replace bolts. Without a compressor, the spring tension lifts the car off the jack stands before it's compressed enough to replace bushing bolts.
If I had a shop lift, a transmission jack and helper...maybe easy. If you did this with simple home tools and floor jacks, I can't imagine why it was easy...unless my car just hates me...it was nothing but a pain in the *** to me.

nyrobbie77

ahh - i replaced my springs with eibachs. i bet their shorter height is why it was so easy for me to put the control arm bolts back in.

ThaboTheWuff

Looking at 4D0 505 323 K online - it looks nothing like what I have in the back, my control arm thingy has three holes not two and it a lot longer?

More like this - http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/...FUjZQgodEGMAkg


I do have a compressor and the time but I need to get a Bently manual from somewhere.

ThaboTheWuff

What about this lads? $34 on ebay?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/99-1999-AUDI...-/130732038263

nyrobbie77

its a used part. whats to say that its in any better condition than the one already in your car? IIRC you can get replacement bushings for the control arm less than the cost of a new arm.

ThaboTheWuff

Part looks ok to me but you're right who knows. But what is part num of bushing and how the hell do I get it out?

Thx
R

ThaboTheWuff

The one in my car is so loose you can see the play in it - see the video - this has to be better!