Brozee

Yeap, I also had a clicking wheel bearing when I first got the car at 50k. I was going to have it replaced but realized there was no point. So I also ignored it and it actually went away, even the clicking at slow speeds. The control arm bushings were seen as "split" by the dealer, and visually seen that the wheels sway a bit when hitting the brakes, which was seen by another small shop.

Brozee

I ordered the 2 of the upper bushings, but after looking at it do I also need this disc looking bushing, http://genuinevwaudiparts.com/partlo...layCatalogid=0
I can still cancel the order, I just want to make sure I buy the right amount of bushings and if I need the other bushing as well, because shipping on this site is a ridiculous $9!

Shown in the pictures below is a wheel well shot of the car. I take it the bushing by itself to the side is the control arm bushing and above it the disc like looking thing is also a control arm bushing. I included questions in the pictures, please help!

<img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/u926c.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">

<img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/2zrixbt.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">

<img src="http://i53.tinypic.com/2vtdrx4.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">

Thankyou!

Satch0922

Looks like you are point to the tie rod end not the upper control arm

Brozee

That's what I thought as well. I had the dealer diagnose it and look at it, so I just did a visual check without taking off the wheels. And without my knowledge of cars extensively under the hood type stuff I wouldn't have known. Thank you for the reply.

bosbo

I had the control arms replaced and the bushings were already in them. New obviously. The car tracks alot smother and truer, going around corners seems I can go faster. going over bumps is groan free and feels much more connected.

Brozee

Great, I'm having the bushings replaced tomorrow, and am going to make sure everything else is in good condition as well. This is the final fixup on the car to make it back to perfect condition.

Brozee

After having them replaced I thought I'd give an update to anyone in the future.

Quoted at the dealer to replace the front control arm bushings on the car (4 total)
$660

At an indy shop quoted
$575

Alignment done $169.

After bushings replaced, overall a much smoother ride and small cracks in pavement and turning is a lot tighter and seems less connected to the road. So you don't feel all the little dings here and there. It feels much nicer. Although I still don't feel the price warranted it. Just wanted my car to be at 100% again.

bosbo

Your tires will thank you.

Brozee

The car's alignment was near perfect before the alignment to begin with. And I doubt the bushings would have any real affect to the tires, would they?

ludikraut

Bushings can be a PITA to replace, so if that price includes parts and labor, it sounds about right. It took me an afternoon per lower control arm on my Evo ... although that was w/out a press. I wish Meyle made a complete front end replacement kit for the A8 - their kit for the B5 A4's is great, and not too expensive either.

Depending on the bushing, a worn/torn/broken bushing can increase tire wear, especially if it allows enough slack to allow toe in or toe out. But if you didn't have abnormal tire wear before, I doubt the new bushings will make much of a difference there.

l8r)