Audi A6: Control Arm Kits Review
Audi engineered their cars with an advance multi-link front suspension that provides awesome ride and handling, but requires a little more maintenance than some other designs. If you have odd noises, or have lost some accuracy, it's time to replace one or more control arms.
This article applies to the Audi A6 C5 and A6 C6 (1998-2011).
When it comes to your Audi A6, you want the best ride and handling possible. Your control arms have a lot to do with that, and when the bushings and ball joints wear out, it can really show in how your car feels going down the road. If your car's stability isn't what it used to be, you know it's time to replace those worn out control arms with parts, and there are a lot of brand options for replacement parts. We've rounded up four of the most popular choices and categorized them for you, so you can go into the shopping process with some idea of what you're looking at.
Audi A6 Control Arm Kits
Meyle |
OCAP |
Lemforder |
TRW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$599.95 | $556.45 | $900 - $1000 | $800-$1000 |
Completeness |
12 piece kit (with hardware) |
12 piece kit (with hardware) |
All arms priced individually |
Partial kits, or individual arms |
Quality |
High | Good | OEM Manufacturer | OEM Manufacturer |
Lifespan |
Unknown | Unknown | 70,000+ | 70,000+ |
Warranty |
4 years with pro install | None | 2 Months/24,000 miles | None |
Best Value: Meyle
Meyle
Price – $599.95
Completeness – Full 12 piece kit
Quality – High
Lifespan – Unknown
Warranty – 4 years if installed by ASE mechanic
Meyle has created a kit that is relatively affordable, and performs more or less at the same level as the OE parts installed from the factory. With a four year warranty, it is worth it to use this kit if you are paying a profession to install it anyway. Install it yourself and it still is warrantied for a full year. This kit stands out as the best value, and recommended option for anyone on a budget.
OCAP
Price – $556.45
Completeness – Full 12 piece kit
Quality – Good
Lifespan – Unknown
Warranty – None
Of the brands listed in this review, OCAP is the least well known, but also the lowest priced. Manufactured in Italy, these parts have been met with mixed reviews, and are only available through one vendor in the US, BlauParts.com. With just a small price difference compared to Meyle, and no warranty, it is hard to see the advantage. OCAP may be overshadowed by other brands in the market, but they do sell VAG certified parts at the lowest price anywhere.
Lemforder
Price – $900-1,000
Completeness – Each arm individually priced
Quality – OEM Manufacture
Lifespan – 70k miles
Warranty – 2 year/24k miles from some vendors
Lemforder is an OEM supplier for Audi, and these will be exactly like the parts you get from the dealer. While the individual pieces that would be part of a kit are available through your Audi dealer, you can save some money ordering them online. The best quality parts for the customer who can afford to pay the price.
TRW
Price – $800-1,000
Completeness – Some kits, or each arm available separately
Quality – OEM Manufacture
Lifespan – 70k miles
Warranty – None, some vendors offer 2 years/24k miles
Like Lemforder, TRW is an OE part supplier for Audi, and when you order from the dealership, you may be getting TRW parts. These two brands have quite a lot in common, right down to their lack of a full kit; however, TRW does have some kits available such as the front lower control arm kit pictured above. When compared to the other brands listed, TRW is higher quality than Meyle, but a bit cheaper than Lemforder. The only real drawback is that no manufacturer warranty information is given, though some retailer provide up to two years/24k miles. The lower priced OEM parts source, and a great choice for factory quality.
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