View Full Version : New control arm initial verdict


markcincinnati
08-14-2009, 06:41 AM
Drove the car home from the dealership last night, didn't get on the interestate, though -- steering felt more "solid," somehow I got the impression that I was now gripping a wheel that was connected to something sturdier, with zero play and no steering "lash" if that makes sense.

So far so good.

This morning, on the way to the office, I was able to drive on I275 and I71 here in greater Cincinnapolis and reach speeds up to perhaps 76, 77 mph and mostly stay in the range of 60 - 67, due to traffic.

There is no, zero, zilch shimmy, vibration or anything that would indicate any other feeling than "rock solid."

Mission accomplished I'd say.

=====

With respect to TSB's -- there is a TSB for the new glue and the rubber door seals (they have it on file at the dealers, for I did not know it and there it is right on the work order."

Now, on the other hand, there is what would appear to be an "override" on the control arms, NOT a specific TSB number, but more like a brief (very brief) narrative that ends up saying something "per [Audi] tech directive" followed by a list of the part names and part numbers and a time of 1.7 (hours) @ $94 per hour, followed finally by the word WARRANTY after each line item on the short narrative.

There, apparently, is no TSB per se -- but, sort of like getting a rebate from Samsung on your new flat panel TV from Best Buy, if you fill out all of the forms, submit all of the documentation and cut off the UPC and Serial Number bar code from the box the TV came in, you CAN file for and receive, eventually, the promised rebate.

In other words, this is a special "manual override" ("I can't hold it much longer, Jim, she's gonna tear herself apart." "Scotty, maintain warp 9.1 until I tell you to stop!" "Aye, aye, Captain.")

My guess is that this manual override will be the only way to get this done until they can come up with a recall program, TSB or whatever (AND a production modification during the build process).

Meantime, collect your receipts, cut the serial number and UPC codes off the original packaging and send the original and three copies -- and keep a copy for yourself -- to "Samsung rebate program, Summer 2009 c/o Best Buy, Anytown, USA 90210" and have a nice day.)

Oh and EMS.

DOH!

ChronoJ1
08-14-2009, 08:41 AM
Good to hear. I hope this isn't an issue on '10.

SoSuMi
08-14-2009, 10:26 AM
Hope your refit does the trick. Just got my 5k service fix and so far no trouble with the suspension. I do have the sports suspension and just maybe it doesn't suffer the control arm curse. In fact, at > 75 mph the steering was smooth as hot pork lard.

This particular car is my very, very first with an auto... given the car is an Avant, there's no option for the stick. Only time that I have not missed having a manual was on a recent trip that required crossing Toronto... yuk! OTOH I do keep my critter in manual mode > 99% of the time.

MrStuff
08-14-2009, 10:26 AM
Good to hear. I hope this isn't an issue on '10.

2nd

Toppernh
08-14-2009, 10:40 AM
Can you post the control arm part numbers?
Thanks!

BMWBig6
08-14-2009, 10:53 AM
Can you post the control arm part numbers?
Thanks!

Yes please! I wonder if they are the same as the A5/S5 parts:

Before: 8K0 407 696C and 8K0 407 695C

After: 8K0 407 696E and 8K0 407 695E

http://www.shrani.si/f/z/tD/4UdDn96K/img8832.jpg

http://www.shrani.si/f/2O/jw/36ZYucC1/img8833.jpg

markcincinnati
08-14-2009, 10:55 AM
Mine has th 19" sport suspension package too -- so I suspect it is NOT limited to the Camry-like suspension of the non-sport models.

markcincinnati
08-14-2009, 12:48 PM
Will do, when I get home tonight!

markcincinnati
08-14-2009, 05:27 PM
Ok, here, within, are the relevant part numbers for the control link conversion kit, nuts and bolts and the TSB, etc. for the new glue (who knew?)

==========

Per tech line 480288: replace worn front lower links

qty part#

1 8K0-498-998 Conversion kit
2 N-107-044-01 Bolt
2 WHT-001-987 Nut
2 N-908-484-04 Nut

Hours: 1.70

==========

With respect to the TSB for the rubber door surround and glue, here is the info:

Replace and reglue rubber seal per TSB2019733/1 Hours:.30

qty part#

1 D-195-850-A1
1 D-477-KD1-A2

Hope this is helpful.

BMWBig6
08-14-2009, 05:40 PM
Very very helpful Mark, thank you very much!

What does "tech line 480288" mean? I understand you said this was not a true TSB. Is that an Audi campaign number?

markcincinnati
08-14-2009, 06:55 PM
I came, I saw, I copied -- beats me, I hoped it would mean something to someone.