SpeedyDTP247 CQ+UrS4

i've done a search and read that some members have replaced the bushings (inner uppers only) in the rear control arms and some members have replaced rear control (upper a-arms) arms.

i'm currently at alittle over 123,000 miles. how do you check to see if i need to replace the bushings only or the a-arms?

MartinH

It's easier to replace the complete arm as you don't have the hassle of pressing out and in the bushes. But if you have a decent size vise or a press, you can save a few bucks by just buying the bushes. However, you need to be a little careful with the procedure.

SpeedyDTP247 CQ+UrS4

how long can i drive w/o damaging anything?

77'911

You might consider checking your rear sway bar links. Ours are completely shot at 70k and clunk especially bad on switch backs. Ordered a new set the other week which will be a Saturday project in about 2 weeks.
Its also worth checking out the front and rear diff mount bushings. I just replaced the rear bracket and bushings which helped to tighten things up.

GrizzQuattro

do you have a picture of the front diff mount by any chance?

SpeedyDTP247 CQ+UrS4

i have h-sport front and rear sways, upgraded rear sway end links to metal, all new control arms up front and upgraded the front sway end links, last year i installed h&r springs and bilstien (sp?) shocks

77'911

Sorry, I don't. When I priced one out, it was about $160(bushing & bracket together). Its a bushing pressed into an aluminum bracket. The bushing is about 2 1/2-3 inches across, at least thats what it looks like on our 2000 30v. They might differ on earlier models, its been awhile since I've worked on an early A4.
If you look under there, the mount and bracket is easy to spot. I posted a pic of the rear bracket not long ago here.

GrizzQuattro

thanks. I'll look into it this weekend. Still trying to find out where that jerk is commin from~

77'911

A couple things I would go through:
-check the bushings on those Bilsteins
*re-torque or check the torque on the mounting bolts/nuts
-Was the shock you installed, the sport version? They are valved differently for the lower springs, then say, the HD's. Sounds stupid but needed to ask. This has been done before.
-Its worth going over the driveline mounts, especially if you drive agressively or have higher miles on your car. At 70k, I've replaced all of them already.
-You might consider putting the rear of the car up on a set of rhino ramps and checking the rear a-frame and rear link bushings.

SpeedyDTP247 CQ+UrS4

sorry for being a noob, but why would new shocks (bushings?) go bad so early? i think i have the sport shocks, i know i have h&r sport springs. i guess i'll take my car to the local shop to take a look at it.