Rich

Seems the control arms are something of an achilles heel in the otherwise mighty A4. I know mine is only one of many lately. More disturbing is that mine's a '98, and after only a few hours of normal driving around manhattan, has a broken control arm and a wheel bearing. (Thanks to all who helped make the diagnosis--you were correct!). Clanking, sometimes grinding sound from the driver's front suspension at low/parking speeds=control arm; moaning, groaning sound from the rear, better when curving or turning right=rear wheel bearing. I feel sorry for all those who must brave the NYC roads daily; mine is more at home here on the twisty roads of northern Michigan. I guess Detroit has the *second* worst roads in the country.<p>So how does this speak of long term reliability for the suspension, sport or regular? (mine is the factory sport suspension). Otherwise, I'm very happy with it, but I feel it should last more than one afternoon in Manhattan. I mean, how would these parts do with larger wheels and a lower suspension?? Anyone who's broken theirs found a more durable solution aftermarket?<p>Rich<br>'98 2.8Q sport<br>

Ned

<br>Hey NYC isnt that bad as long as you follow recomended speed limits. ok ok im lying, it sucks but hey i have 101,000 miles on my 93 S4, the past 35,000 with the ABT/Bilstein suspension and the past 28,000 with 17" BBS RC. Total suspension/tire damage to my car is as follows.<p>1 blown shock<br>1 cracked rim<br>slight bends in 3 rims (on the inside) which were repaired to perfection from the people at Wheel Collision.<p>Considering i run 2.2 degrees negative camber on the front im suprised i didnt bang up the inside of the rims more.<p>And i do drive the car to Manhattan every day.<p>Once, i had to put the car on a frame machine to pull the knuckle back on the front suspension after hitting a huge pothole that cracked my rim and bent the other. Otherwise everything structurally is fine.

John Costin

OK ... no more trips to Manhattan in my car! This calls for mass-transit!