[s-cars] Control Arm and Tie rod end replacement.....how hard is it?

[Daniel Hussey]

It's a PITA!!!!

Inspiring, isn't it.  Okay, well, control arms aren't too bad.  Just buy the
complete assemblies from Rod or other on-line source.  Don't try to press in
new bushings (not worth your time IMHO).  New ones also come with a new ball
joint.

You have to disconnect the ball joint from the bottom of the strut housing
on the front (also known as the wheel bearing housing).  So, to do that you
have to remove the wheels and the hub bolts.  Then you have to take out the
rear subframe bolts (it goes through the subframe and through the control
arm and into some other bushings behind that.  Anyways, there are a few
parts here.  Be sure to get a new metal "sleeve" as it likely will be
destroyed when you have to yank out the bolt/sleeve to remove the control
arm.

Outer sway bar bushings are easy since you have to release tension on the
sway bar to get out the control arm (may be a good time to do inners too).
Anyways, do the outer sway bar bushings and those little saucer shaped
washers on either end.  Also new locking nuts and don't forget, the subframe
bolts are stretch bolts and should be replaced as well.

Definately consult the Bently CD on this one if you have it, at least for
torque specs if not for anything else.

Later,
Dan
'95 S6 Avant (gone but not forgotten)
'89 944 S2 (new toy)
Seattle, WA


----- Original Message -----
From: "chris chambers" <fastscirocco_2000 at yahoo.com>
To: "Scar" <s-car-list at audifans.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2003 12:45 PM
Subject: [s-cars] Control Arm and Tie rod end replacement.....how hard is
it?


> Hi all!
>
> I have just been informed that one of my S4's needs a new LF control
> arm, swaybar bushings and tie rod ends.
>
> How hard of a job is it to replace the tie rod ends and control arm on
> an S4? Is there a write up anywhere ?...I looked but haven't found one
> yet.
>
> Thanks
>
> Chris
>
> PS I was told the ball joint is bad but the parts guy said the
> balljoint comes with the control arm...is this true or is there a
> cheaper fix?
>
>
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