"recommended" suspension parts to replace when installing coilovers

[a4rings]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to install some coilovers on my 2000 1.8t a4 w/80k (40k on stock sport shocks/neuspeed race coilovers)

I wanted to order all the parts so i could just go through the install process all at once. I posted some pics of my suspension a while back but nobody noticed anything that was wrong.

I was just wondering what parts you guys would recommend changing while im in there, (upper/lower CA's, front/rear, I have new tie rods in the front, etc.) thaks alot guys!

[A4Rob]

Don't fix anything if nothing is broken.

[a4rings]

Don't fix anything if nothing is broken.

the front end feels a bit loose but i know the front shocks are both pretty worn and bouncy. I was just figuring something else had to be going on in the front end for there to be so much loosenes.

[a4rings]

hers a link to pictures of y suspension.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...xx)?highlight=

[Driveeurolive]

X2 if it aint broke don't fix it.

[Mad Cow]

Try prying all the ball joints to check for play, check boots and stuff and replace whatever's needed. There's also a date code stamped on the control arms which will give a decent indication of how worn they are. Also it looks like your steering rack is leaking so I would figure that out while you're in there too.

[a4rings]

Try prying all the ball joints to check for play, check boots and stuff and replace whatever's needed. There's also a date code stamped on the control arms which will give a decent indication of how worn they are. Also it looks like your steering rack is leaking so I would figure that out while you're in there too.

where exactly are the ball joints (what direction would the play be?) and yea my steering rack leaks quite a bit, would i need to replace the entire thing, or can i replace that book only?

This bushing in particular looks like it needs to be replaced?

[A4Rob]

That is your upper control arm. Replace the whole thing.

[SR-71]

Replace upper control arms and pinch bolts that hold them to the upright.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

When you replace new control arms its crucial to make sure when installing them you install them at ride height!! Not doing so will cause pre-mature failure of the bushings!!

Jason

[a4rings]

That is your upper control arm. Replace the whole thing.

sorry, i know its my own picture, but is that the front or rear upper control arm?

[a4rings]

When you replace new control arms its crucial to make sure when installing them you install them at ride height!! Not doing so will cause pre-mature failure of the bushings!!

Jason

yea i think thats what may have happened to mine. How do you tighten things at ride height? im sure you cant get in there when the wheel is on.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

yea i think thats what may have happened to mine. How do you tighten things at ride height? im sure you cant get in there when the wheel is on.

Before I started I made a mental note about how the control arms sat when the car was on the ground (turning the wheel to one side or the other gives you a better view of the control arms).

Once I made a mental note of about where they sat when I got them all installed (finger tight) i placed a jack under the lower control arms and jacked up the suspension to about how they looked before i took them out. While it was in the air I tightened everything up. Finally removing the jack, double checking everything, and installing the wheels.

[ThatA4T]

if u have one bad control arm, replace them all imho... thats what i did. i also did strut mounts at the same time as coilovers. check ur cv boots as well.

[walky_talky20]

Doing the upper control arms at least wouldn't be a bad idea, cause they are a little more of a pain as far as taking crap apart to get to them. Lowers are about the same work whether you do them now or later, IMO.

Uppers (for mad cheap yo):
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...rm-Kit-Special

[CamrideA4]

Before I started I made a mental note about how the control arms sat when the car was on the ground (turning the wheel to one side or the other gives you a better view of the control arms).

Once I made a mental note of about where they sat when I got them all installed (finger tight) i placed a jack under the lower control arms and jacked up the suspension to about how they looked before i took them out. While it was in the air I tightened everything up. Finally removing the jack, double checking everything, and installing the wheels.

I just did this, perfect way to do it. I didn't do that the first time, which I'm sure is why my uppers only last about 2 years.

Doing the upper control arms at least wouldn't be a bad idea, cause they are a little more of a pain as far as taking crap apart to get to them. Lowers are about the same work whether you do them now or later, IMO.

Uppers (for mad cheap yo):
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...rm-Kit-Special

And I just bought these. Definitely nicer than the kit I bought 2 years ago and it was more expensive.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

I just did this, perfect way to do it. I didn't do that the first time, which I'm sure is why my uppers only last about 2 years.

That is for sure why your control arms didn't have a long life! You shouldn't have any issues if you install them like I've mentioned.

Jason

[rubberband]

you just need to place a jack under at the ball joint to put the load on the suspension to tighten. Trying to tighten all that shit when the car is on the ground and the wheels are on is lame....unless you do it with air and on an alignment rack. :)

[Justin@FCP]

Doing the upper control arms at least wouldn't be a bad idea, cause they are a little more of a pain as far as taking crap apart to get to them. Lowers are about the same work whether you do them now or later, IMO.

Uppers (for mad cheap yo):
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...rm-Kit-Special

We regularly price this kit at $75.00, but through this deal we are willing to offer them for $50.00, plus a $3.95 Standard Shipping Rate (5-7 Business days).

Call Mike G directly at 877-634-0063 ext 306, or email him directly at [email protected]. That way he can give you the complete info for the Upper Control Arm GB, or any Control Arm Kits FCP offers. Also mention code "MikeG" and Save 10% on your next order!

[a4rings]

Do the rear upper control arms usually go bad too or is it mostly the fronts? I've been getting a bit of uneven wear on my rear tires and im not quite sure whats causing it. My passenger rear tire seems to always be the first to show signs of wear on the inside of the tire (moreso than the driver side). the passenger rear wheel also seems to have a tiny bit more camber on it. could worn rear upper control arms cause this?