Control Arms, is There Any Real Difference?

[Guss]

Hi guys, have done some research on this. Seems there really is minimal if any difference in the control arms available for us.

You have stock, O34, FCP Groton, stock, etc. They are all pretty much the same, made of metal with bushings that wear out after about 25,000-35,000 miles.

Can anyone tell me why I should not just buy the FCP Groton arms over any of the other offerings? They are going to last as long as any of the others and they are cheaper...

thanks for the discussion and points to be added....

[stef2.7t]

Apparently 034 has theirs fitted with higher quality, durable longer lasting bushings.

[infinkc]

i bought the FCP cause of the price, but if you want upgraded go 034 they offer a better rubber bushing.

[Guss]

I have 034 in my S4 now. They lasted no longer than any others I have put on it. Why I started this thread.

The 034's lasted no longer than any other I have used.... Yes they put in a stiffer bushing but they lasted no longer.

Anyone else chime in with 034 in their car and how long they lasted?

[quattro004]

I've been starting to hear lately that 034 isn't always what it is been talked up to be. I still think they make good products but my next CA kit will probably be a Febi/Bilstein kit since I have had good luck with their arms before.

[DolphinV8]

25k~35k seems to be low? I just replaced my Febi with 034 arms to get rid off that annoying creaking sound. (When hot)

[AudiSportB5S4]

I did a full Febi kit in my car 15K ago and still perfect... Love the way the car handles.

[Guss]

034 at about 25,000 started going so I will not be using them again. Figured FCP Groton for half the price is good if they are all going to go at 25,000 miles...

Looking at Febi/Bilstein and Lemfoerder kits...

[DolphinV8]

What the hell...
Those are the something I want to replace every 25k. such a PITA to replace the arms using jack stands.

[NOTORIOUS VR]

I bought the entire FCP kit last year, and replaced all 4 uppers on the front last year... no complaints here.

I purchased the lifetime warranty on them as well.

[rollerton]

OEM is Febi/ Bilstein right? Mine are original and have just under 170k miles and only one side upper CA'a are now worn out.
If I thought I'd be putting 40k more miles on this car I'd go OEM.

[M.S4]

My 034's failed after 11 months, replacing them tomorrow. Similar stories from other locals with them.

[Trile]

OEM is Febi/ Bilstein right? Mine are original and have just under 170k miles and only one side upper CA'a are now worn out.
If I thought I'd be putting 40k more miles on this car I'd go OEM.

OEM are Lemforder.
twice the cost of febi/meyle etc.
and no better.
Mine are starting to fail after less then 15.000 miles (OEM)

[AWDriver]

I dont see how you are blowing through bushings that fast. Are you putting full weight on the wheels before you torque the bolts?

[Corrado]

Why why why does FCP offer so many kits? Can't they keep it simple? I need to freshen-up my entire front end and looking at their options makes me want to not shop with them.

They have a:
$575 Meyle kit
$514 Meyle kit
$380 generic kit
$320 generic "S4" kit
$310 generic kit
$275 generic kit

6 kits??? Seriously? And every single description seems like cut/paste from an Ebay ad.

Plus I have a 2000, so who the heck knows how I can get the right parts for my aluminum uprights.

[papuc14369]

I've always wondered this too, I need to replace my OEM CA soon too.

[The_Auto_Tech]

I'm not sure what the differences are either. I looked heavily into this when I had my B5.5 Passat as I needed control arms. All I knew was that the S4 arms were an upgrade for any non-S4 car.

[goohead]

+1 power flex

[AudiHolicS4]

well that at least makes me feel a lil bit better cuz bought the performance-cafe.com CA kit and they were gone within 20k...i just thought that theres were junk but seems like everyone has problems with them. And just for reference i did put the CA's under load before i tightened all the bolts to make sure they were installed properly

[azithinkiam]

Why why why does FCP offer so many kits? Can't they keep it simple? I need to freshen-up my entire front end and looking at their options makes me want to not shop with them.

They have a:
$575 Meyle kit
$514 Meyle kit
$380 generic kit
$320 generic "S4" kit
$310 generic kit
$275 generic kit

6 kits??? Seriously? And every single description seems like cut/paste from an Ebay ad.

Plus I have a 2000, so who the heck knows how I can get the right parts for my aluminum uprights.

^THIS. as a n00b, it's a bit difficult to know what to go with...thank god for research and the first-hand experience of others...

-t.

[VWYankee]

I have two kits with one waiting to go on mine. I think they're generic, but had bought one only to find out it's for VIN's after mine (I have a '01) so I got another one. Maybe it's best I haven't gotten around to putting it on even though it is correct (being that it's generic).

[goohead]

I don't know why people want to replace these bushings over and over when you can just put in some poly Bushing and be done w it for 3-5x the life if not more

[Corrado]

For the discussion, here are the 7 kits FCP Groton offers:

1. Audi S4 Control Arm Suspension Kit 1998-2003 (Meyle 13 piece kit) $575

Upgrade your Audi S4 suspension today with a new Audi suspension kit! Your Audi suspension system plays a critical role connecting your vehicle to the road. Upgrade your Audi S4 front-end with a new Audi S4 suspension kit. Keep reading for more details.

The four-link front suspension in the above vehicles has been highly praised by the experts for its dynamic driving properties. This does not quite tie in with the recall campaign in spring 2004 which affected approximately 870,000 Audi and Audi vehicles.
TIf your hear a squeaking noise coming from the front end when braking, you may need to update your Audi S4 control arms with a new Audi S4 suspension kit. Find more great deals on replacement Audi S4 parts here at FCP Groton!
*Note: Audi S4 Control Arm Suspension Kit.

This Kit includes the following items:

1. Front Right Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated
2. Front Left Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated
3. Front Right Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated
4. Front Left Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated
5. Left Updated Sway Bar Link with Bolts and Hardware
6. Right Updated Sway Bar Link with Bolts and Hardware
7. Front Left Lower Front Position Control Arm
8. Front Right Lower Front Position Control Arm
9. Front Left Lower Rear Position Control Arm
10. Front Right Lower Rear Position Control Arm
11. Front Left Outer Tie Rod Full Metal Version
12. Front Right Outer Tie Rod Full Metal Version
13. Control Arm Hardware Kit

Fits the following models:


Audi A4 1996-2003
Audi A4 Quattro 1996-2003
Audi A6 1996-2003
Audi A6 Quattro 1996-2003
Volkswagen Passat 1998-2003
Volkswagen Passat 4 Motion 1999-2003

Manufacturer Meyle
FCP Reference Number 8D0498998S1
OEM Number 8D0498998S1

Our Price $575.00




2. Audi S4 MEYLE Control Arm Suspension Kit (2000-2002) (Meyle 11 piece kit) $514.95

Audi A4 A6 VW Passat Control Arms

The quality of your Audi or VW driving experience is directly related to the condition of your steering and suspension systems. At the core of both of these systems is your vehicle's control arms. Upgrade worn-out tired control arms with top-quality brand-new Meyle-manufactured control arm replacements. Feel the difference in your drive today. Keep reading for further details about your new control arm kit.


ALL PARTS ARE MANUFACTURED BY MEYLE

With the new seal, MEYLE is accenting the quality of its products and guaranteeing the package contains an original MEYLE part.



WE GUARANTEE ALL PARTS ARE GENUINE MEYLE

MEYLE Quality, Right Down to the Seal

Genuine Meyle HEAVY DUTY Front Control Arm Repair Kit 11 Piece Kit

Auction is for the following items:

Front Right Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated
Front Left Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated
Front Right Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated
Front Left Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated
Front Left Lower Front Position Control Arm
Front Right Lower Front Position Control Arm
Front Left Lower Rear Position Control Arm
Front Right Lower Rear Position Control Arm
Front Left Outer Tie Rod Full Metal Version
Front Right Outer Tie Rod Full Metal Version
Control Arm Hardware Kit

Manufacturer Meyle
FCP Reference Number 8D0498998B
OEM Number 8D0498998B



3. Audi S4 Control Arm Suspension Kit (2000) 13 piece Aftermarket kit $379.99

Audi S4 Front Upper Control Arm Kit
Upgrade your Audi S4 suspension today with a new Audi S4 suspension kit! Your Audi suspension system plays a critical role connecting your vehicle to the road. Upgrade your Audi S4 front-end with a new Audi S4 suspension kit. Keep reading for more details.

The four-link front suspension in the above vehicles has been highly praised by the experts for its dynamic driving properties. This does not quite tie in with the recall campaign in spring 2004 which affected approximately 870,000 Audi and Audi vehicles.
If your hear a squeaking noise coming from the front end when braking, you may need to update your Audi S4 control arms with a new Audi S4 suspension kit. Find more great deals on replacement Audi S4 parts here at FCP Groton!
*Note: Audi S4 Front Upper Control Arm (Forward or Front position of vehicle). **Includes Left and Right control arms.

This Kit includes the following:


1. Front Right Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated
2. Front Left Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated
3. Front Right Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated
4. Front Left Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated
5. Left updated sway bar link with bolts and hardware
6. Right updated sway bar link with bolts and hardware
7. Front Left Lower Front Position Control Arm
8. Front Right Lower Front Position Control Arm
9. Front Left Lower Rear Position Control Arm
10. Front Right Lower Rear Position Control Arm
11. Front Left Outer Tie Rod Full Metal Version
12. Front Right Outer Tie Rod Full Metal Version
13. Control Arm Bolt Kit

Fits the following models:


Audi A6 2002-2004 V6 4.2L
Audi A6 Quattro 2002-2004 V6 2.7 / 3.0L
Audi S4 Quattro 2000 V6 2.7
VW Passat 2003-2005 L4 1.8L
VW Passat 2003-2005 V6 2.8L
VW Passat 4 Motion 2003-2005 V6 2.8L
VW Passat 4 Motion 2003-2005 V8 4L

Audi S4 Front Upper Control Arm Kit
Upgrade your Audi S4 suspension today with a new Audi S4 suspension kit! Your Audi suspension system plays a critical role connecting your vehicle to the road. Upgrade your Audi S4 front-end with a new Audi S4 suspension kit. Keep reading for more details.

The four-link front suspension in the above vehicles has been highly praised by the experts for its dynamic driving properties. This does not quite tie in with the recall campaign in spring 2004 which affected approximately 870,000 Audi and Audi vehicles.
If your hear a squeaking noise coming from the front end when braking, you may need to update your Audi S4 control arms with a new Audi S4 suspension kit. Find more great deals on replacement Audi S4 parts here at FCP Groton!
*Note: Audi S4 Front Upper Control Arm (Forward or Front position of vehicle). **Includes Left and Right control arms.

This Kit includes the following:


1. Front Right Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated
2. Front Left Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated
3. Front Right Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated
4. Front Left Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated
5. Left updated sway bar link with bolts and hardware
6. Right updated sway bar link with bolts and hardware
7. Front Left Lower Front Position Control Arm
8. Front Right Lower Front Position Control Arm
9. Front Left Lower Rear Position Control Arm
10. Front Right Lower Rear Position Control Arm
11. Front Left Outer Tie Rod Full Metal Version
12. Front Right Outer Tie Rod Full Metal Version
13. Control Arm Bolt Kit

Fits the following models:


Audi A6 2002-2004 V6 4.2L
Audi A6 Quattro 2002-2004 V6 2.7 / 3.0L
Audi S4 Quattro 2000 V6 2.7
VW Passat 2003-2005 L4 1.8L
VW Passat 2003-2005 V6 2.8L
VW Passat 4 Motion 2003-2005 V6 2.8L
VW Passat 4 Motion 2003-2005 V8 4L


Manufacturer Aftermarket
FCP Reference Number 4D0498998M
OEM Number 8D0498998



4. Audi S4 Control Arm Suspension Kit 13 Piece S4 Upgrade $319.99

Audi Volkswagen Control Arms Suspension Upgrade Kit

Your car is a fine driving machine, so why not treat it that way? The way your Volkswagen or Audi handles on the road is going to define your experience with the vehicle. Replace tired and worn-out suspension parts with new replacements. This is a simple yet comprehensive solution to increase your vehicle's on-road handling and performance. Feel the difference in your drive today. Keep reading for more information about your new suspension upgrade kit.

The Kit includes the following items:

Front Right Upper Front Position Control Arm S4 RS6 (came stock on S4 and RS6 Models but can be used on Audi A4 A6 VW Passat as an upgrade- List $112.55 OEM Reference 8e0407506c)

Front Left Upper Front Position Control Arm S4 (came stock on S4 and RS6 Models but can be used on Audi A4 A6 VW Passat as an upgrade- List $112.55 OEM Reference 8e0407505c)

Front Right Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated S4 (came stock on S4 and RS6 Models but can be used on Audi A4 A6 VW Passat as an upgrade- List $112.55 OEM Reference 8e0407510c)

Front Left Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated S4 (came stock on S4 and RS6 Models but can be used on Audi A4 A6 VW Passat as an upgrade- List $112.55 Oem Reference 8e0407509c)

Left Updated sway bar Link With Bolts and hardware (Updated version, prevents excessive noise. Includes 2)M10x62x45mm Bolts /VAG # N104 253 01 & 2)M10 Shouldered Self Locking Nuts VAG# N102 861 02)

Right Updated Sway Bar Link with bolts and hardware (Updated version, prevents excessive noise. Includes 2)M10x62x45mm Bolts /VAG # N104 253 01 & 2)M10 Shouldered Self Locking Nuts VAG# N102 861 02)

Front Left Lower Front Position Control Arm (Heavy duty version manufactured with thicker aluminum base and heavy duty ball joint)

Front Right Lower Front Position Control Arm (Heavy duty version manufactured with thicker aluminum base and heavy duty ball joint)

Front Left Lower Rear Position Control Arm (stock OE Version)

Front Right Lower Rear Position Control Arm (stock OE Version)

Front Left Outer Tie Rod (hd version with rubber dampner in shaft)

Front Left Outer Tie Rod (hd version with rubber dampner in shaft)

Front Right Outer Tie Rod ( hd version with rubber dampner in shaft)

Control arm bolt kit (complete set of mounting and installation hardware that includes cinch bolts and self locking shoulder nuts, and much more-manufactured by FEBI-Bilstein)


1 Year full warranty on all parts


* Resilient Bushing material for Improved steering input,
handling and durability.
* Improved rubber dust boot material. Prevents cracking
and exposure of ball joint.
* Better moly grease, Less wear, More Miles!
* Exclusive German Design!


IMPROVED Front Sway Bar Links


* New heavy Duty Hemi Joint replaces ball joint end.

Fits the following models:

Audi A4 1.8, 2.8 1996-2001
Audi A4 Quattro 1.8, 2.8 1996-2001
Audi A6 2.7, 3.0, 4.2 1998-2002 with 15� or 16� rims
Audi A6 Quattro 2.7, 3.0, 4.2 1998-2002 with 15� or 16� rims
Audi S4 2000-2002 only after production date 11/1999
Volkswagen Passat 1.8 Liter and 2.8 Liter 1998-6/2002
EXCEEDS OEM SPECIFICATIONS


Manufacturer Aftermarket
FCP Reference Number 4D0498998
OEM Number 8D0498998
Condition New





5. Audi S4 (2000-2002) Control Arm Suspension Repair Kit 12 piece Aftermarket $310.00

Audi A4 A6 Volkswagen Passat Control Arm Kit Upgrade

The condition of your Audi or Volkswagen steering and suspension systems directly relates to how your vehicle will handle on the road. Do you want more responsiveness and tighter control around corners? Upgrade your Audi or VW with a new control arms kit and start driving the way should. Keep reading for more details on the kit.

This is an S4 UPGRADE.

The Kit includes the following items: Front Right Upper Front Position Control Arm S4 RS6 (came stock on S4 and RS6 Models but can be used on Audi A4 A6 VW Passat as an upgrade- List $112.55 OEM Reference 8e0407506c)

Front Left Upper Front Position Control Arm S4 (came stock on S4 and RS6 Models but can be used on Audi A4 A6 VW Passat as an upgrade- List $112.55 OEM Reference 8e0407505c)

Front Right Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated S4 (came stock on S4 and RS6 Models but can be used on Audi A4 A6 VW Passat as an upgrade- List $112.55 OEM Reference 8e0407510c)

Front Left Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated S4 (came stock on S4 and RS6 Models but can be used on Audi A4 A6 VW Passat as an upgrade- List $112.55 Oem Reference 8e0407509c)

Left Updated sway bar Link With Bolts and hardware (Updated version, prevents excessive noise. Includes 2)M10x62x45mm Bolts /VAG # N104 253 01 & 2)M10 Shouldered Self Locking Nuts VAG# N102 861 02)

Right Updated Sway Bar Link with bolts and hardware (Updated version, prevents excessive noise. Includes 2)M10x62x45mm Bolts /VAG # N104 253 01 & 2)M10 Shouldered Self Locking Nuts VAG# N102 861 02)

Front Left Lower Front Position Control Arm (Heavy duty version manufactured with thicker aluminum base and heavy duty ball joint)
Front Right Lower Front Position Control Arm (Heavy duty version manufactured with thicker aluminum base and heavy duty ball joint)
Front Left Lower Rear Position Control Arm (stock OE Version)
Front Right Lower Rear Position Control Arm (stock OE Version)
Front Left Outer Tie Rod (hd version with rubber dampner in shaft)
Front Right Outer Tie Rod ( hd version with rubber dampner in shaft)


Retail Price $1,916.70

1 Year full warranty on all parts

* Resilient Bushing material for Improved steering input,
handling and durability.
* Improved rubber dust boot material. Prevents cracking
and exposure of ball joint.
* Better moly grease, Less wear, More Miles!
* Exclusive German Design!

IMPROVED Front Sway Bar Links

* New heavy Duty Hemi Joint replaces ball joint end.


Fits the following models:

Audi A4 1.8, 2.8 1996-2001
Audi A4 Quattro 1.8, 2.8 1996-2001
Audi A6 2.7, 3.0, 4.2 1998-2002 with 15 or 16 rims
Audi A6 Quattro 2.7, 3.0, 4.2 1998-2002 with 15 or 16 rims
Audi S4 2000-2002 only after production date 11/1999
Volkswagen Passat 1.8 Liter and 2.8 Liter 1998-6/2002


Additional Notes:
FCP Groton now offers a Lifetime Warranty on all of its products. Please visit FCP Lifetime Warranty for more info. All of our parts meet and or exceed the rigorous standards set forth by the vehicle manufacturers. Looking for the equivalent OEM product or particular brand you don't see listed here? Email us for a quote.

Manufacturer Aftermarket
FCP Reference Number 4D0498998
OEM Number 8D0498998
Condition New




6. Audi S4 (2000-2002) Control Arm Suspension Kit 13 piece Aftermarket $309.99

Audi A4 A6 Volkswagen Passat Control Arm Kit Upgrade (13 Piece)

Improve the front-end performance of your Audi or VW with this brand-new 13 piece kit. The quality and condition of your steering and suspension system defines what your on-road experience will be like. Upgrade and rebuild your front-end today. Keep reading for kit details.

The Kit includes the following items: Front Right Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated (original units are straight- our updated design has a bend for added strength)

Front Left Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated (original units are straight- our updated design has a bend for added strength)

Front Right Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated (original units are straight- our updated design has a bend for added strength)

Front Left Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated (original units are straight- our updated design has a bend for added strength)

Left Updated sway bar Link With Bolts and hardware (Updated version, prevents excessive noise. Includes 2)M10x62x45mm Bolts /VAG # N104 253 01 & 2)M10 Shouldered Self Locking Nuts VAG# N102 861 02)

Right Updated Sway Bar Link with bolts and hardware (Updated version, prevents excessive noise. Includes 2)M10x62x45mm Bolts /VAG # N104 253 01 & 2)M10 Shouldered Self Locking Nuts VAG# N102 861 02)

Front Left Lower Front Position Control Arm (Heavy duty version manufactured with thicker aluminum base and heavy duty ball joint)

Front Right Lower Front Position Control Arm (Heavy duty version manufactured with thicker aluminum base and heavy duty ball joint)

Front Left Lower Rear Position Control Arm (stock OE Version)

Front Right Lower Rear Position Control Arm (stock OE Version)

Front Left Outer Tie Rod (hd version with rubber dampner in shaft)

Front Right Outer Tie Rod ( hd version with rubber dampner in shaft)

Control arm bolt kit (complete set of mounting and installation hardware that includes cinch bolts and self locking shoulder nuts, and much more-manufactured by FEBI-Bilstein)

Retail Price $1,916.70

1 Year full warranty on all parts

* Resilient Bushing material for Improved steering input,
handling and durability.
* Improved rubber dust boot material. Prevents cracking
and exposure of ball joint.
* Better moly grease, Less wear, More Miles!
* Exclusive German Design!

IMPROVED Front Sway Bar Links

* New heavy Duty Hemi Joint replaces ball joint end.





EXCEEDS OEM SPECIFICATIONS
Fits the following models:


Audi A4 1.8, 2.8 1996-2001
Audi A4 Quattro 1.8, 2.8 1996-2001
Audi A6 2.7, 3.0, 4.2 1998-2002 with 15� or 16� rims
Audi A6 Quattro 2.7, 3.0, 4.2 1998-2002 with 15� or 16� rims
Audi S4 2000-2002 only after production date 11/1999
Volkswagen Passat 1.8 Liter and 2.8 Liter 1998-6/2002


Additional Notes:
FCP Groton now offers a Lifetime Warranty on all of its products. Please visit FCP Lifetime Warranty for more info. All of our parts meet and or exceed the rigorous standards set forth by the vehicle manufacturers. Looking for the equivalent OEM product or particular brand you don't see listed here? Email us for a quote.

Manufacturer Aftermarket
FCP Reference Number 4D0498998
OEM Number 8D0498998






7. Audi S4 Control Arm Kit 2000-2002 (Aftermarket) $275.00

Audi S4 Control Arm Suspension Kit
Upgrade your Audi S4 suspension today with a new Audi suspension kit! Your Audi suspension system plays a critical role connecting your vehicle to the road. Upgrade your Audi S4 front-end with a new Audi S4 suspension kit. Keep reading for more details.

The four-link front suspension in the above vehicles has been highly praised by the experts for its dynamic driving properties. This does not quite tie in with the recall campaign in spring 2004 which affected approximately 870,000 Audi and Audi vehicles.
TIf your hear a squeaking noise coming from the front end when braking, you may need to update your Audi S4 control arms with a new Audi S4 suspension kit. Find more great deals on replacement Audi S4 parts here at FCP Groton!
*Note: Audi S4 Control Arm Suspension Kit.

This Kit includes the following items:


1. Front Right Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated
2. Front Left Upper Front Position Control Arm Updated
3. Front Right Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated
4. Front Left Upper Rear Position Control Arm Updated
5. Left updated sway bar link with bolts and hardware
6. Right updated sway bar link with bolts and hardware
7. Front Left Lower Front Position Control Arm
8. Front Right Lower Front Position Control Arm
9. Front Left Lower Rear Position Control Arm
10. Front Right Lower Rear Position Control Arm
11. Front Left Outer Tie Rod Full Metal Version
12. Front Right Outer Tie Rod Full Metal Version


Fits the following models:


Audi A4 1996-2001 1.8L, 2.8L
Audi A4 Quattro 1996-2001 1.8L, 2.8L
Audi A6 1998-2002 2.7L, 2.8L, 3.0L, 4.2L
Audi A6 Quattro 1998-2002 2.7L, 3.0L, 4.2L
Audi S4 2000-2002 only after production date 11/1999
VW Passat 1998-6/2002 1.8L, 2.8L

Manufacturer Aftermarket
FCP Reference Number 4D0498998
OEM Number 8D0498998

[ride1157]

there is a difference i just replaced perfectly good original uppers on my car which has 183k on it and im in Michigan too(bad roads)... Had to replace them due to destroying them with the torch to get the mother fu***ng pinch bolt out to replace my axles. I went with FCP due to price and lifetime warranty considering my car has that many miles and considering how easy it is to replace uppers i did not give a crap. THere is a different bend in the straight arm compared to the original. You can tell that the FCP ones are junk compared to originals...

[Trigger Happy]

there is a difference i just replaced perfectly good original uppers on my car which has 183k on it and im in Michigan too(bad roads)... Had to replace them due to destroying them with the torch to get the mother fu***ng pinch bolt out to replace my axles. I went with FCP due to price and lifetime warranty considering my car has that many miles and considering how easy it is to replace uppers i did not give a crap. THere is a different bend in the straight arm compared to the original. You can tell that the FCP ones are junk compared to originals...

Pics possibly?

[Clack]

Good and timely topic as I'm wondering the same thing prior to purchase. I was going to buy this febi kit http://www.purems.com/Products/8D049...Steel-Uprights and I'm sure I'd be happy but if the FCP kit is really just as good for 250 bucks I just feel like a sucker buying anything else.

And for those that have done this, how are you supposed to torque everything with the suspension loaded down. Doesn't seem like there's room to get at the upper control arms. Certainly not with a torque wrench and socket.

[goohead]

Use a jack on the rotor ...

[blmlozz]

there is a difference i just replaced perfectly good original uppers on my car which has 183k on it and im in Michigan too(bad roads)... Had to replace them due to destroying them with the torch to get the mother fu***ng pinch bolt out to replace my axles. I went with FCP due to price and lifetime warranty considering my car has that many miles and considering how easy it is to replace uppers i did not give a crap. THere is a different bend in the straight arm compared to the original. You can tell that the FCP ones are junk compared to originals...

that's the updated upper, most kits have the bend. The $sub $200 kit I bought had the bent arm.


the 034 kit I had on the S before she left with 10-15K on them had started to tear @ the shot busings on the lower arm. I bought an FCP kit for the A6 and there's almost no deserniable difference. Until someone does an analysis to compare the rubber inserts, you're ''assuming'' name brand buys better arms.

[rob]

I don't know why people want to replace these bushings over and over when you can just put in some poly Bushing and be done w it for 3-5x the life if not more

Do you have any info for the poly bushings? Part numbers? Any DIY? Thanks.

[ride1157]

that's the updated upper, most kits have the bend. The $sub $200 kit I bought had the bent arm.


the 034 kit I had on the S before she left with 10-15K on them had started to tear @ the shot busings on the lower arm. I bought an FCP kit for the A6 and there's almost no deserniable difference. Until someone does an analysis to compare the rubber inserts, you're ''assuming'' name brand buys better arms.

No, I'm not assuming on name brand that they are junk. I assume they are not as high quality as the originals due to them looking different feeling a little lighter and being 75 dollars for all four uppers. That usually means they are made of cheaper quality parts (cheaper rubber, metal, replica...) Also I had originals that lasted 183k without a problem on bad roads too... I hear the FCP stuff doesn't last that long. Im sure there are other companies that make a same if not better quality part than audi but c'mon 75 dollar FCP's are not going to be better... Although its been about a 1000 miles and they are going well for 75 im happy!!!:)

Trigger: sorry i did not take pics I did think of taking pics when i did them for this reason lol but i did not..

[goohead]

Do you have any info for the poly bushings? Part numbers? Any DIY? Thanks.

If you search Powerflex u can find some info I posted some pics and info. Good stuff, not too harsh like 110 for the 4 upper control arm ones. And all u do is press it in w a wheel bearing/ ball joint press or a framed hydraulic press very easy to install. The lube will last longer than the rubber bushings lol

[goohead]

No, I'm not assuming on name brand that they are junk. I assume they are not as high quality as the originals due to them looking different feeling a little lighter and being 75 dollars for all four uppers. That usually means they are made of cheaper quality parts (cheaper rubber, metal, replica...) Also I had originals that lasted 183k without a problem on bad roads too... I hear the FCP stuff doesn't last that long. Im sure there are other companies that make a same if not better quality part than audi but c'mon 75 dollar FCP's are not going to be better... Although its been about a 1000 miles and they are going well for 75 im happy!!!:)

Trigger: sorry i did not take pics I did think of taking pics when i did them for this reason lol but i did not..

183k on oem rubber w/o tearing??? Unheard of must be driving like grandma :)

[Clack]

Use a jack on the rotor ...

Aha! Good thinking. Thanks.

[imola]

I'd definitely go OEM for lowers. Those seem to last for a good chunk of time.

[ride1157]

183k on oem rubber w/o tearing??? Unheard of must be driving like grandma :)

Not at all I drive hard everyday and autocross the car a lot(I actually use my s4 :) ). The car came from california 3 years ago so i guess it is because the roads there are better...

[blmlozz]

I had originals that lasted 183k without a problem on bad roads too... I

There are exceptions to everything, however I haven't seen any B5 or C5 have 183K on it's CA's without at least 50% of the arms being completly torn though, and in my experience on this forum, I haven't heard of this until just now.

Im sure there are other companies that make a same if not better quality part than audi but c'mon 75 dollar FCP's are not going to be better...

There's not a chance I would base my asumption of OEM being superior versus aftermarket simply due to price

I assume they are not as high quality as the originals due to them looking different feeling a little lighter and being 75 dollars for all four uppers. That usually means they are made of cheaper quality parts (cheaper rubber, metal, replica...)

Again, the margin on OEM parts is absolutely astounding, I wouldn't hesitate to say it's upwards of 200-300% above acutal cost. I couldn't speak about material quality based on a visual assesment either.

Ultimately, there's only hearsay and assumption that OEM's are better than aftermarket with regard to control arms, and that's not the kind of evidence I like to base opinions on. What I know, is sometimes OEM is better than aftermarket parts, and sometimes, it's not. A Classic point being the HD TRE's vs the weak Tie rod ends, or throttle body boots, or the OEM plastic face throw-out bearings. . ect.

Personally, I think the perception that OEM CA's last longer is a bit of a placibo, we *are* essentially talking about bushings, some aluminum and ball-joints here, not rocket science stuff. Installation and making sure there's no pre-load on the bushings is more important that which brand you buy.

[00SantorinS4]

I replaced my uppers and sway bar end links with FCPs kit 8k miles ago. No complaints here!

[Scotty@Advanced]

25k~35k seems to be low? I just replaced my Febi with 034 arms to get rid off that annoying creaking sound. (When hot)

Generally it's around 50-60K, at least that's been my experience with the dozen or so of these cars I've owned. If the bushings are not torqued when the car is on the ground then you'll see a large reduction of life from them.

I use the 034 arms and have no complaints. Got 10K on one car and 14K on another set with no issues.

[NYC07]

Got the whole febi kit with "s4 specific" upgraded tie rod ends from PUREMS. Only about 10K miles on them but so far so good.

[goohead]

10k-15k is not alot of miles