anyone with a 19mm rear sway bar taken a look at your plastic mounting arms - do they tend to crack?
 

i'm talking about the ends that the swaybar attaches to (not where the bushings hold it in place). I installed the updated subframe bushing supports, so i don't expect cracks in the subframe anytime soon -- but i'm wondering if that pressure could cause the plastic end links to develop cracks. anyone noticed this? I'm talking about the plastic arm that the ends of the swaybar attaches to - which connects to the suspension.

Mine haven't but yes, this is an issue. I think there were steel or aluminum pieces in late 90s A4s
 

That have been mentioned as a solution.

I'm running stiffer rear springs (than stock) which takes some of the load off of the sway bar links.

96/97 A4s had the round metal uplinks...the 98+ A4 and S4s have the plastic ones...
 

I have seen the plastic ones worn down by the axle half shafts..and even the CPP aluminum ones...

My advise is to periodically check the subframe, half axle shafts and uplink arms every 3-4 months if you have any aftermarket rear sway bar (larger than the stock 16mm bar). BTW, I have had the 19/22 bar on my A4 2.8Q, my S4 sedan, and my S4 Avant...and soon on my A4 1.8T.

i'm running H&R c/o's with the rear sway on stiff.
 

so i guess my rear sway is going to see more force than yours. any chance you have the part number for those pieces from the A4's?

upgrade to early A4 metal uplinks.

part number? tia

Sorry, I don't have the P/N

Not available from AoA anymore...
 

You gotta get them off wrecked 96/97 A4s at the dismantlers...the part number is probably the same..only has a superceded number (which is the plastic ones)

Here is what they look like...
 

<center><img src="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/pix/rsway_02s.jpg"></center><p>The green colored shaft is it in this pic...

I'm using the CPP solid end links. Should dispel any worries you have
 

They're pretty inexpensive too. I noticed a definite handling improvement with the solid links and my bar (Neuspeed 19mm) on hard than the plastic links and the bar on soft.