bobnubira

1wk of daily pb blaster, hammer, air hammer, 12 ton hydraulic press, impact wrench to no avail. Currently, the upper control arms are sawed off, and the bearing holder is sitting cocked in my hydraulic press. On the A8 with the aluminum spindle, (bearing holder) there is no clearance for drilling or pressing the pinch bolt out. The arm for the tie rod end is in the way. Have avoided the "torch" so far.

JAA 4.2

Good luck. I had a similar experience with mine having the pinch bolt seized as well. Tried everything you did plus the torch. In the end I broke the casting while trying to press the bolt out. I think the only real solution is send them out and having the bolt removed via EDM.

I now have two new uprights that were shipped in from Germany. They are about $700/side.

ThaboTheWuff

My experience with new tire rods was quite pleasant especially in the snow - felt like the front of the car was loose now it feels a lot better and I don't have stability control so it feels a lot better. Of course I am replacing control arms one at a time and currently have a new rattle thanks to some dirt road driving around Leadville! I remember someone commenting on how these cars eat suspension parts, my theory is if you don't use the stock lighter wheels I have 18 inch replicas then you prematurely wear everything out - could be wrong.

JAA 4.2

It depends where you live. Here in metro Detroit we have terrible roads. Control arms on our E39 last about 35k miles. Arms on the Audis last about 70-100k miles.

silverd2

East TN here ... all original control arms at 150K miles, with no slop or tears (have always treated them with AT205 rubber treatment). Have replaced tie rods ends at about 100K miles ... groaning.

Pinchbolts pull out with two fingers, when replacing CV boots.