control arms, lets fix the problem

[Kris Hansen]

Erik, I think you have it backwards..On my car, and
every other one I have seen, it was in fact the ball
joints that wore out, not the bushings. It it was
simply the bushings, don't you think someone would
have figured out a way to replace only the bushing
instead of the outrageously expensive control arms?
Perhaps you are thinking of something else when using
the word ball joint, but the problem area on the A4
control arms IS the ball joint at the outboard end of
the front suspension control arms. (maybe you are
thinking of tie rod ends?)

What happens is (as was posted earlier) the grease
dries up/falls out of the ball socket, and the joint
seizes/squeaks/becomes very loose. On our car, we had
all of the above.

Kris

--- Erik R <eringelberg at hotmail.com> wrote:
> Once again,
> The actual failure rate of 1.8T US balljoints is
> absolutely minimal. The 
> bushing, on the other hand has a redesign literally
> every year. The failure 
> rate of the bushing is also close to zip, but they
> can squeek and it is 
> annoying.
> 
> Audi is well aware of the problem. The customer
> service folks are not 
> technical and literally know nothing about
> superceeding designs. The Area 
> manager is the person you want to talk with. They
> will comp you a new set, 
> unless you are a jerk or they see you coming. Then
> they will split the cost.
> 
> Audi World has an extensive archive on this subject,
> and blue light bulbs, 
> and many other fun/trivialities.
> 
> E
>
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