rocketruss

What would you do? Either I replace the bushings in the control arms or I buy a control arm kit. I do have access to a press. Any brands to avoid? Thanks, Russ

SloopJohnB@mac.com

Cheapest to replace just the bushing but if bj is loose then do the arm. I've done both. ECS has bushings but OEM from dealer also has to be ordered.
Recognize that S6 bushings are different from std A6 V8.

Harleyguy

Check out the costs at http://autohausaz.com I replaced all my upper front control arms. Way cheaper than getting bushings done at the dealer and much simpler/ easier. Good and fast customer service. Mine is '04 A6 Quattro 4.2L but they carry a wide selection of parts.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

I use a Harbor Freight 12ton press and it's adequate for bushing pressing. The trick is to keep a couple of bushings on hand and only buy new control arms when the bjs are loose. And yes, it's a lot faster to just change out the control arms. IF the bjs were also serviceable (riveted or bolted in) that would be ok too but with the restricted space on the multilink front suspension that's not gonna happen.

That being said, it's not unusual for control arms to have worn bjs that you discover as soon as you pop the pinch bolt and bj studs. At that point you can decide whether to plump for new control arms or press in new bushings.

rocketruss

Thanks for your input. Thinking the the joint might be worn out, I might just order control arms and be done with it.
R

rocketruss

Does anyone have any experience with URO control arms? Thanks, R

SloopJohnB@mac.com

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...iece-4d0498998

They're lifetime guarantee. Except for your labor.

Prospeeder

Do the whole arm, not worth the trouble, especially since the balljoints do wear out. Wow on that low price kit, even less than the Vaico kit from ECS! I put those 250$ vaico arms on my A4, and its still going fine with them, 10-15k miles or so on them, so its kinda early to tell how well they last.