control arms, lets fix the problem

[Kris Hansen]

Actually, there is a goodwill program regarding the
control arms, at least at my dealer, the oft maligned
Lewis Motors in Burlington VT (802)658-1130. Depending
on the age of your car, the control arms are
wither:fully covered, parts and labor, or partially
covered. It has to do with the age of the car in real
years. (not model years)

I suggest that any A4 owners with control arm issues
contact their dealer and ask about the goodwill
program. It could be that the dealer is unaware of
such a program, or is trying to screw people (now,
would a car dealer do that?!?!!?)

Good luck!!

Kris
'98.5 A4 Avant 2.8 30v Tip q
'96 A4 2.8 q
--- Jouko Haapanen <joukoh at sympatico.ca> wrote:
> 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
> 


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