control arms, lets fix the problem

[Jouko Haapanen]

FWIW, at least in some European countries the control arms are govered
by goodwill up to around 150 000km and 5 years.  There are variations
on the level of goodwill, but if I recall correctly, up to 3-4 years
and 80-100 000 km its parts and labour, after that there are some
split costs.  In addition, there was (again, I don't know if this
applies to NA cars) a recall on the earlier (maybe up to -99) cars for
tie rod ends.  The original rod ends (aluminum) were wearing out
prematurely, and the hence aluminum was no longer used in the
replacement rod end.  Most of the above, with variations on the theme,
also applies to the B4 Passat, except that Audi's goodwill coverage
usually was better than that of VW's.  In Europe the warranty on the
new cars is 12months, and factory goodwill policy is for covering
items that may fail prematurely after that period.  The dealers have a
goodwill list which specifies the items recognized by the factory, and
the dealer may, at his discretion, use goodwill to cover those repairs
partially or completely as per factory instructions.  This would
generally require that the scheduled maintenance is up to snuff.  I've
been away from those issues now for almost a year, but we certainly
had a definite policy for covering said parts.

I would imagine that the folks on Audiworld would be up on these
issues.  I haven't really followed Audiworld since approx. 1998 when
the discussions at times turned a bit ricey.


Jouko Haapanen



----- Original Message -----
From: <HRDSTRT at aol.com>
To: <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2001 2:19 PM
Subject: control arms, lets fix the problem


> Upon recieving my email from Audi, I contacted their customer
> relations number.
> I was told the Audi is not aware of any problems with their control
> arms(ball joints). I find that a bit odd.
> I know have a customer claim number and that is about it. I'm not
> asking for a refund, I just want to know that the new parts
installed
> will not fail in 15k miles.
>
> I propose this: Please email me if you have had the same problem,
> whether it was under warranty or not. Tell me when it happened and
> with what type of car. Give me your name and email or phone # or
> address. I would like to send them a list of people who have had
> similiar problems. I would also urge you to call "Kim" at Audi
> customer relations 800.822.2834 option 3 to report the problem.
> Perhaps if we band together, we can get something accomplished.
>
> Sincerely,
> Seth Achilles
> sachilles at sugarbush.com or Hrdstrt at aol.com
>
>
> Seth Achilles
> 61 Morris Mini
> 97 Audi A4 1.8t QMS
> 83 Saab 900t Racer