Preemptive front end maintenance?
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Just wondering what the experience is out there with front end suspension and steering failures or parts that were worn enough to be of safety concern and need replacement. I have a 1996 A6 Avant Front Wheel Drive with 190+K miles.
Looking at the Bentley (1992-1997 Audi 100, A6 edition) I think I have narrowed the most possible failure points to the outer steering control arm ball joint end (Bentley page S 48-3 #12), the control arm ball joint end (page S 40-38 #15), and the control arm bushing (page S 40-37 #14).
Yes, I know the inner control arm bushing (page S 40-37 #11) and maybe and much less likely the steering arm should be replaced if the inner steering control arm mounting point bushing is worn (page S 48-7 #1), but it seems that these are secured with through bolts so much less likely to come apart while on the highway. Any failure or wear issues or reports with these would also be appreciated.
If you had or seen a failure or issue, please let me know what part, year of car, and mileage.
I see this as a huge safety issue. Loss of front end at highway speeds in traffic will most likely lead to the most undesired results.
Dennis Stehlik
Looking at the Bentley (1992-1997 Audi 100, A6 edition) I think I have narrowed the most possible failure points to the outer steering control arm ball joint end (Bentley page S 48-3 #12), the control arm ball joint end (page S 40-38 #15), and the control arm bushing (page S 40-37 #14).
Yes, I know the inner control arm bushing (page S 40-37 #11) and maybe and much less likely the steering arm should be replaced if the inner steering control arm mounting point bushing is worn (page S 48-7 #1), but it seems that these are secured with through bolts so much less likely to come apart while on the highway. Any failure or wear issues or reports with these would also be appreciated.
If you had or seen a failure or issue, please let me know what part, year of car, and mileage.
I see this as a huge safety issue. Loss of front end at highway speeds in traffic will most likely lead to the most undesired results.
Dennis Stehlik
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