B5 A4 rear sub-frame

[Tony Hoffman]

Hmm, I've worked on quite a number of B5's never seen that before. I'd be
searching for a used subframe, should be pretty easy to find. B5's are
plentiful. Depending on where you live, you might check with Chris Semple at
force 5.

Although, I really don't see any harm in welding it, either. Just make sure
there is good penetration on the metal (and clean it very well first). But,
I'd still find a used one.

Don't think your tires nor the sport suspension caused that one. Wondering
if it was just a build defect, or perhaps it had hit something in the road
before that caused a slight crack, adn it only got worse.

Tony

On Mon, Sep 19, 2011 at 2:38 PM, Chuck Storms <cstorms75 at yahoo.com> wrote:

> I have a 2001 A4 Avant with 130 kmi. on it, heard a clunk in the rear the
> other day so on a slow afternoon at the shop I threw it on the lift to find
> that the rear sub-frame is tearing, from the sway bar mount area down to the
> control arm mounting bolt area on both sides.  For a little history I have
> owned the vehicle for less than a year and approx 8 kmi..  I am running
> slightly wider rubber than stock (225/50 instead of 205/55/16), but it
> appears that somebody attempted a repair in the past.  The car is loaded up
> so it has the sport suspension etc...   I'm just wondering if anybody has
> run into this before and if there is anything to be done in addition to
> welding it up with some gussets or getting a used sub-frame (too much like
> work). Posting a link to photo's if it helps at all
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/glur/sets/72157627583181041/