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I'm getting ready to order a new set of sway bar links for my 2011 A8L on account of the annoying noise it makes over speed bumps. Before I go ahead and order the OEM units, is there any other reputable ones? I ask because the stock ones wore out so quickly, and they aren't cheap at $180 for the pair. Also, anything else I should know? It looks like a very straightforward repair, but then again, it's an Audi, it's made of surprises.
I'm getting ready to order a new set of sway bar links for my 2011 A8L on account of the annoying noise it makes over speed bumps. Before I go ahead and order the OEM units, is there any other reputable ones? I ask because the stock ones wore out so quickly, and they aren't cheap at $180 for the pair. Also, anything else I should know? It looks like a very straightforward repair, but then again, it's an Audi, it's made of surprises.
Look carefully at your existing OE ones. In particular look for the Lemforder markings, especially the little owl in the triangle symbol they use. On D3's the OES supplier for the links is Lemforder. Thus I can get those for $65 shipped for a pair, or only about ⅓ of what even discounted dealer costs. And yes, I think 95% of what is out there for Audi OE aluminum suspensions is junk, so I will only use dealer OE or its confirmed OES counterpart.
Well, got the new ones in alright. Jack up the front, put in the jackstands, unbolt the old ones and put the new ones in. No muss, no fuss. Easy peasy. A little snug, but I didn't even take the tires off. I didn't like that the original units were made in China, might have something to do with what I consider to be premature failure. Hopefully I don't hear any more noises up front.
The top one is the stock unit, the bottom is the one ordered off of Audi's parts site. The old unit was made in China and felt a little lighter compared to the new one made in Germany.
After having driven around a bit, most importantly over speed bumps, I can confirm that the Chinese sway bar links were the culprit.
Thanks for sharing this info with the forum. I had mine replaced about two months ago and the noise over the speed bumps went away. I just cannot believe that the original ones are made in China....
It's funny thought, the Apple Products are made in China and the Quality is outstanding. What gives with the rest? I bought a 'new' fan for my 2003 RS for the heat/ac and that new blower was Made In China and works ok, but is twice as noisy as the original item!
Did you remember to tighten the bolt on the new sway bar link only after putting the car back down with weight on the suspension? Otherwise the rubber won't last long because of the additional stress. I thought it may not have been necessary for a sway bar link but I just checked the service manual and it says to do so.
04-06-2015, 02:19 PM
Sway bar links
