Bill S

Clair replaced one left front arm, did no alignment. The other left front arm needs replacing, too. Are they correct that no alignment is needed? After all these control arm problems, I don't want to start burning through tires, too!

JimmyJimJim

I always thought they were supposed to do an alignment, but apparently not. Just got my front lower control arms replaced, and service rep said they will only do an alignment if it is needed.

Jason Teller

The control arms were replaced in my '97 A4 and they did not do an alignment.

Bob Petruska

There are 8 control amrs 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....

Bill S

It would be great to know how each of the eight control arms is named and specifically which ones require an alignment after replacement.

This info would be generally useful considering how many peole have had and will have control arms replaced and how expensive tires can be.

Thanks (as always) for the useful info.

Bob Petruska

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.

Bill S

Thanks, Bob!

Unfortunately, Clair lists the part they replaced only as "left front upper control arm," so I'm still not sure precisely what part that is. The part number looks like it is 8D0-407-505-K Link.

My independent mechanic said the lower control arm on that corner is bad, too, but again I'm not sure exactly which part that is.

Do you by any chance have the part numbers for the various arms?

I think all this info put together would make a highly valuable FAQ.

Thanks again for your help with this, as I don't have a service manual and I'm trusting Clair to do the right thing less and less...

Bob Petruska

Look at the control arm through the wheel well. The replaced one will look new and shiny. It will either be the one towards the front of the car or the one towards the back of the car. They may be the same part number as they look similar.

Bill S

Thanks again, Bob. I'll post any new info I uncover.

Andy Hedin

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