Control Arm Hell!
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: Mar 2000
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Control Arm Hell!
Just had the dealer inform me I now need to replace the front lower forwardcontrol arms on my '96 A4 2.8QM. I think this brings the 3 year total to 8 control arms, some more than once.
I know these are a weak link in the A4 design, but is this typical? Was '96 especially bad?
Jon
I know these are a weak link in the A4 design, but is this typical? Was '96 especially bad?
Jon
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,270
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Powerflex makes Polyurethane control arm bushings...
I have used them in my XR4Ti with great success, but never in an A4. You can get them from OPMD, under the Catalog section. You can buy them separately, or as a package (check out package deals)<ul><li><a href="http://www.opmd.com">http://www.opmd.com</a</li></ul>
Head Cat Herder
Joined: Oct 1998
Posts: 66,550,462
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From what I have heard, Audi is offering assistance to some '96 A4 owners....
but I don't know any details. '96 was the worst, though they are all prone to failure.
MAKE SURE that where ever you go to get the parts, they are the newest possible versions. Audi have been constantly 'improving' the outer ball joints over the past 4+ years. IMHO, it would be nice if someone would make a steel alternative, or at least a way to replace the ball joint at the outer end of the control arm.
As for replacing the inner bushing, that is all fine but the outer ball joints are the trouble spots, not the inner bushings.
Give your dealer a call, or a more reputible dealer if you hate yours.
MAKE SURE that where ever you go to get the parts, they are the newest possible versions. Audi have been constantly 'improving' the outer ball joints over the past 4+ years. IMHO, it would be nice if someone would make a steel alternative, or at least a way to replace the ball joint at the outer end of the control arm.
As for replacing the inner bushing, that is all fine but the outer ball joints are the trouble spots, not the inner bushings.
Give your dealer a call, or a more reputible dealer if you hate yours.
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Head Cat Herder
Joined: Oct 1998
Posts: 66,550,462
Likes: 103
Loud creaking when going over bumps, or while turning wheels side to side(stationary)
It is very noticeable. You can hear it while driving, as well as feel the stiffness on the road. The car will feel like the front suspension has lost movement, it in fact has. This is a big safety issue, I suppose if left unattended to, the ball joints *could* pop apart, causing a loss of vehicle controll. Basically what happens is the steel ***** in the outer ends wear their cups away easily, then the grease either dries up or falls out, and they sieze. On our car, we had to replace 6 of the 8 in the front, the only one not repalced were the lower rears.
Talk to your service writer and find out if they have been in communication with Audi regarding this matter. IMHO, Audi should have fixed this from the begining.
Talk to your service writer and find out if they have been in communication with Audi regarding this matter. IMHO, Audi should have fixed this from the begining.
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New Member
Joined: Jan 2001
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Same problem in my '96
Just bought '96 and dealer promised to replace control arms on pass. side to solve a rattling noise when going over bumps. That didn't solve the problem. I'm getting a new strut this Saturday. If that doesn't do it, I asked Audi and they are aware of a problem. My car has 70k miles.
