Subframe, Swaybar and Control Arm Replacement Nuts and Bolts

[Ameer Antar]

I don't think you can buy these nuts and bolts from anywhere but the dealer. You should take a look at the family album, get the part numbers, and place the order in to your dealer. The nuts and bolts are special pitch and stronger than the usual 8.8 class hardware, that are not available from BoltDepot and maybe not even McMaster unless you buy a box of 100. I remember going through the same repairs, but I decided to go to the dealer due to these factors. 

Also the subframe bolts are single-use items (as mentioned in the Bentley), b/c they're strech bolts. They are supposed to be torqued to a low value, then turned 180 degrees I believe. Once they're stretched, you'll have a lot of trouble torquing them even to that low value. You should really drive another car if at all possible, as these bolts are pretty important in holding the car up. Those bolts are your main problem, but I also think the control arm bolts are a special design too. Keep in mind that you shouldn't re-use lock-nuts either. good luck.

-Ameer

   ----Original Message----
   Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 12:25:58 -0500
   From: "Brett Goetz" <brett.goetz at rtp.ppdi.com>
   Subject: Subframe, Swaybar and Control Arm Replacement Nuts and Bolts
   To: quattro at audifans.com
   Message-ID: <4193A0A6.8090108 at rtp.ppdi.com>
   Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
   
   I've been reading about getting replacement nuts and bolts for the front 
   end of my car online from Bolts Depot or the local John Deere or Cat 
   dealer.  I would like to do it, but my '88 5KCST is my only form of 
   transportation.  Does anyone out there know the length, thread and 
   strength  for the following parts?
   Subframe bolts
   Front Swaybar bolts
   Rear Swaybar nuts
   Control Arm nuts and bolts
   I have replaced all of the bushings and the control arms and should have 
   replaced them at that time, but I didn't.  Now I'm dealing with a 
   squeaky front end because of old hardware that won't torque right.  This 
   way I can order them online without taking my car off the road.
   Thanks