idf

Thanks for the input guys. Can you recommend an aftermarket set of control arm bushings for this job? I will look into the other replacements.

aTOMic

Uh-oh, here we go with the annual "polyurethane-vs-OE-vs S8" thread...

Since I was about to search for it anyway, I'll politely request some links to some Guru advice.

Thanks
-Tom

MP4.2+6.0

since the aftermarket stuff typically leads to later disappointment w/ premature wear. I have gone back to OE myself even at 2x+ the price. One early fail and the cost of the alignment can exceed the parts savings, let alone the labor time and hassle to do the swap out yet again.

If I was going non OE, I would try to get to the OES suppliers, who may be like TRW and/or Lemforder?? (not 100% sure on names; I don't think you will find TRW around in OES). Look carefully at your current parts for any manufacturer branding.

Also, be really careful with brand names here and don't just assume that because the name or company sounds "Euro" it actually is as far as the true source; Meyle in particular has lots of question marks around it in my book and was commonly hawked by Blau Parts. A lot of aluminum suspension stuff is interchangeable or very close on Audis from A4s and 6's from about the late 90's for the following 10 years, and those cars in turn (especially the A6--the "standard" upscale German ride in long body form) were sold in China a lot. That in turn drives the same junk parts supplier aftermarket that is also plaguing Japanese car brand repair these days. I have also seen these parts up close in some cases, and they often violate country of origin marking rules that should require it be flagged/stamped/cast right into the part. A decent Euro part would have that, the junk conveniently seems to omit it and the packaging is vague. Thus, with experiences like these, I'm back at OE and would only use OES if I was confident in who they are by brand.

aTOMic

agreed; I vote Audi S8 bushings only (but am waiting to hear opinions on the UCAs with their integral ball joints)
If you get them from AudipartsUSA (IIRC name ?) (forum sponsor) they are AUdi OE.

idf

Good points. S8 bushings make sense.

Does anyone know the part number or a link? I really don't want to mess this up.

mishar

Problem with S8 bushings is that they look exactly same as A8. Guys from Audiusaparts.com compared them and no visible difference. Rubber might be harder or something, but I am not sure about it. Could be that it is just more money.