worth switching to aluminium knuckles???

[K04B5]

I have an 01 S4 and I'm wondering if switching from steel knuckles to aluminium knuckles is cost effective? Anybody know the difference in weight? I'm very interested in seeing numbers and making the switch...

[NorCalS4]

+2

I just made a thread basically asking the same stuff the other day. someone let us know.

[cityfox]

Why would anyone want to switch from steel to aluminium? How much faster can you go by shedding a few pounds off? And why did Audi make aluminium in 2000 models only? Strange.

[Siena]

Why would anyone want to switch from steel to aluminium? How much faster can you go by shedding a few pounds off? And why did Audi make aluminium in 2000 models only? Strange.

The weight loss is unsprung, so it's not a "going faster" issue, more of a "handling" thing.

Interestingly, all B5 RS4's had aluminium uprights, which improved handling.
The process of making the uprights in aluminium Vs steel are completely different, the aluminium process is also more expensive.

I have a set of RS4 aluminium uprights to fit to my own car, together with upper and lower arms and axle shafts.

[silver2ks4]

its not more cost effective everything for the aluminum uprights cost more the bearings the control arms etc... dont know what the the weight savings are if any i had to replace all my control arms and because i have 00 uprights it cost twice as much

[Squarrl]

there are some guys who did it on a4 b5 I would ask there... the weight difference was apparently quite significant.

[eliTTe]

Why would anyone want to switch from steel to aluminium? How much faster can you go by shedding a few pounds off? And why did Audi make aluminium in 2000 models only? Strange.

some think it was done so magazines and such would give better reviews to the car. if thats the case which I could understand, than it must be worth something to have aluminum.

[Dimcorner]

anyone have pics on what one looks like over the other? Are there differences in color?

[silver2ks4]

anyone have pics on what one looks like over the other? Are there differences in color?

alum=alum in color
sleal=painted black

[Dimcorner]

Got it.
I got steel. :(

Oh well, I guess the good thing is that replacing the control arms will be cheaper.

[DxC]

wow you n00bs ...

i think audi started using aluminum because aluminum is cool (they also made the A8 out of aluminum) but switched alledgedly because of some issues with fatigue? or strength in case of an accident? (or cost, since al is more expensive than cast iron)

anyway the aluminum uprights are 6lbs lighter per side than cast iron. the cast iron uprights are hollow while the aluminum is solid.

also if you convert to aluminum, you need new lower control arms. also keep in mind that bearings for aluminum uprights have their own housing, and are double the price (100) of the cast iron (50)

oh also, the sleeves for the lower control arms are steel pressed into the aluminum upright, they often come out, so be careful when removing the old control arms, make sure you have the sleeves because they are not sold separately.

[K04B5]

lol alrighty... forget that switch-over. I was considering it but since I JUST bought a new control arm kit, not worth it to me anymore.

[quickglx]

I switched over. All my control arms were shot and I had some alum uprights I bought, along with a whole other parts car, to upgrade my A4 to S4 brakes along with everything else.... In the end I sold that car and since I had to buy a new control arm kit anyway for the S4, why not. Noticeable difference? No. Maybe if I had some lighter wheels. Huge pain? sure. Bearings are twice as much, but can be replaced with the knuckle still on the car FWIW. And I believe only the lower straight control arm is different.

[K04B5]

sooo... not worth the time and effort?

[Dimcorner]

taking the spare tire out will save you more than the unsprung 12 lbs :)

[K04B5]

taking the spare tire out will save you more than the unsprung 12 lbs :)

LOL good point... however, this weight is up front where the car is already heaviest. BUT I'm gonna let this one go. I don't have the time, money, or patience to swap knucles and new arms...

[ajb_unc]

I got one driver's side aluminum knuckle if anyone is interested?

[K04B5]

I got one driver's side aluminum knuckle if anyone is interested?

how much you want for it?

[quickglx]

sooo... not worth the time and effort?

Correct. I'd say skip unless you already have the parts and reason/time/bordom to just remove perfectly good parts to replace with some that are marginally lighter/ may be less durable....

[s vier]

Correct. I'd say skip unless you already have the parts and reason/time/bordom to just remove perfectly good parts to replace with some that are marginally lighter/ may be less durable....

Has anyone ever had an issue with the aluminum? Feels/looks/acts pretty solid on mine.

[f15046]

I have an A4 that I swapped the Aluminum S4 knuckles on to. Its not that hard, it does take time though. Can I tell a difference in handling? No.

[wdbdy2000s4]

Has anyone ever had an issue with the aluminum? Feels/looks/acts pretty solid on mine.

The aluminum knuckles are solid, cast iron are hollow...I have a hard time believing that the solid aluminum knuckles are a serious issue.