Re: My Audi broke its leg today, NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[Orin Eman <orin@wolfenet.com>]

> Upon further inspection I found I could move the front wheel forwards or 
> backwards about 6"(until it hit the front or back of the fender well). When 
> I got underneath the car it only got worse, the back of the fender was 
> folded and pushed back where the wheel hit it. As I looked over the 
> suspension I could see that the ball joint end on the A-arm was pulled out 
> of the bottom of the strut. I could also see that the bolt that used to hold 
> it in was gone, I'm assuming that was part of the crack bang boom when it 
> happened.

That bolt is supposed to be replaced (with a new one), not re-used
if you take it out.  My guess is it wasn't, or an inferior grade
was used.  Have the bolt on the other side replaced too with the
correct bolt when you get it fixed.

BTW, it is also a possibility that someone levered the split in
the strut to get the ball joint out.  Another thing that the
manual forbids.  If so, the ball joint will be a loose fit
and the bolt will be doing too much work clamping the
ball joint in place.  I'd consider getting a junk yard strut
regardless... I wouldn't be sure about the one you have now.

Orin.