Control Arms, all bushing are torn.

[ThorMjolnir]

Greetings everyone,

So... I did a tire rotation yesterday and I did an inspection of the suspension and related components while I had my wheels off. I noticed that 90% of my control arm bushings are torn and the front left tire had a very odd groove worn into it (only tire with this weird groove and if it were rubbing along the steering knuckle, but it isn't).

I just had my front rear lower control arm bushings replaced, and they were the only ones that looked good and were not torn. The car felt amazing for ~400 miles and now the car is starting to feel like it used to.... like crap.

I have been having a serious issue with my suspension and steering for approximately 1 year, I have owned the car for 1.5 years now. Its documented with the dealership and AoA. Everything feels sloppy with my car: it handles as if it were on stilts, the tracking is about as straight as a broken arrow, and the ride quality is unpleasant. I have had these feelings since 45k miles and I am now at 71k miles. The conditions have gotten worse with time, which is the 30k miles I've put on her.

I couldn't find much on recommendations on bushing/control arm replacement on here... other than 70k-75k seems kinda normal for this car?

Maintenance wise, I have spent more than enough money on this car than I preferably would have liked to.

My question to the community is this: just because the bushings are torn does that warrant replacement?
Also, I don't feel any play with the wheels off and car on stands... everything feels taut.


I will get photos this weekend and update this thread.

****Disclaimer****
Please! no comments on "pay to play" or "buy a Honda" If you cannot provide an adult comment please keep it to yourself.
Yes I can afford this car, Yes I can afford its maintenance, and Yes I have done my research.

[Audibot]

Greetings everyone,

So... I did a tire rotation yesterday and I did an inspection of the suspension and related components while I had my wheels off. I noticed that 90% of my control arm bushings are torn and the front left tire had a very odd groove worn into it (only tire with this weird groove and if it were rubbing along the steering knuckle, but it isn't).

I just had my front rear lower control arm bushings replaced, and they were the only ones that looked good and were not torn. The car felt amazing for ~400 miles and now the car is starting to feel like it used to.... like crap.

I have been having a serious issue with my suspension and steering for approximately 1 year, I have owned the car for 1.5 years now. Its documented with the dealership and AoA. Everything feels sloppy with my car: it handles as if it were on stilts, the tracking is about as straight as a broken arrow, and the ride quality is unpleasant. I have had these feelings since 45k miles and I am now at 71k miles. The conditions have gotten worse with time, which is the 30k miles I've put on her.

I couldn't find much on recommendations on bushing/control arm replacement on here... other than 70k-75k seems kinda normal for this car?

Maintenance wise, I have spent more than enough money on this car than I preferably would have liked to.

My question to the community is this: just because the bushings are torn does that warrant replacement?
Also, I don't feel any play with the wheels off and car on stands... everything feels taut.




****Disclaimer****
Please! no comments on "pay to play" or "buy a Honda" If you cannot provide an adult comment please keep it to yourself.
Yes I can afford this car, Yes I can afford its maintenance, and Yes I have done my research.

1. Yes, torn bushings warrant replacement. They are no longer functioning as-designed.
2. Put the wheels back on while on stands and see how much you can jiggle things. Hands and 12 & 6 and wiggle up and down = control arm bushings/ball joints. 3-9 and side-to-side wiggle would indicate needing new tie rods.


I'm wondering if there was some undocumented prior history (e.g., frame damage) that has totally f'ed up the suspension geometry; I've never had THAT many issues with suspension even after lowering.

My B7 didn't require control arm replacement until 100k. If you're lowered, it does put more stress on them; otherwise, they should last longer. My allroad, with its air suspension hasn't required replacement in 30k miles and I've gone up and down the various levels with it. But it's not been unheard of C7 folks to have to replace theirs before 50k miles.

Other suggestions: A set of adjustable uppers (034, Moog/SPC) would probably do some good to ensure you're properly aligned. Double-check your sway bar links as well, since a broken one will also cause the car to handle like crap. Your struts could be on their way out (harsh ride) but it does sound premature for those. Rear toe has a lot to do with tracking as well.

Remember, you gotta pay to play

[Ripp3d_]

I spoke to my Mechanic recently about the handling issues i have been having lately and he came to the conclusion it was pretty much the control arm bushings also. He recommended meyle kit from ecs tuning. You can look into it if you like as i plan to buy it and install it at the same time he is doing the airlift kit also.

[ThorMjolnir]

Thank you for the comments so far!

I forgot to mention that it’s the stock sport suspension. I don’t have dynamic ride control or sports diff.

Also, I did have a bad accident in Feb of this year and I had, basically, a new suspension installed. I hit black ice and slid into a ditch... hitting a concrete culvert. I had a very reputable shop repair the car, which cost insurance ~$21,000. There was no frame damage, just broken suspension components.

I’ve been in numerous ‘10-‘16 S4s and my car felt horrible compared to them (pre and post my accident).

I guess I’m trying to figure out if it is worth redoing the entire suspension and going a more performance route ... or trade it in. I truly love this car but since day one, I haven’t had the best of luck.

Hell, when I was t-boned in my Subaru, and having extensive frame work done to it, the car felt no different than day 1 when I bought it with 10 miles.


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[Iwantyourcar]

I'd trade it in. 21k of damage...no thanks...I even sold an accord I had that was T boned, drove the same after repair like your subie...but I just knew inside that this ****** was tboned

[S4'ed]

The front control arm bushings (4 per side) are subject to a lot of stress due to the unusual design of the Audi multilink front suspension. The rubber bushing will start to crack around 30,000 miles, and will typically crack all the way through by about 60,000 to 70,000 miles. This problem goes back to the mid 1990s, when this suspension design debuted. You should replace all 8 control arms.

[Iwantyourcar]

I investigated mine, they are cracked as well. Prob something to do when coilovers get put on next spring. I too have heard that they are a heavy stress item in audis.

[B8S4inKC]

I’ve got a knocking sound coming from left front when rolling over bumps. Also suspect it’s control arm bushings but haven’t gotten the car jacked up to investigate.

Does anyone have experience with the 034 density control arms? https://www.ecstuning.com/b-034motor...CABEgINSvD_BwE

Seems like a reasonable price, just curious if it makes a noticeable difference or if I should just replace the bushings.


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[AFR1485]

At least the front rear lower bushings are hydraulic, mine are both shot after 95k miles. I don’t have a crap ride that you describe, but potholes started to feel rougher and I have a strong knock sound when turning the wheel lock to lock.

I’m keeping the car for some time so this simple service is a no brainer. I’d certainly pass doing this if I were thinking about trading it in. Good luck!


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[vwgtivr6]

So... I did a tire rotation yesterday and I did an inspection of the suspension and related components while I had my wheels off. I noticed that 90% of my control arm bushings are torn and the front left tire had a very odd groove worn into it (only tire with this weird groove and if it were rubbing along the steering knuckle, but it isn't).

Also, I did have a bad accident in Feb of this year and I had, basically, a new suspension installed.

I am betting the shop that installed your new suspension did not do it properly. All bushings must be tightened while the suspension is under load. Usually done by placing a jack under the wheel hub and supporting the weight of the car.

It is likely they installed the new control arms and tightened all the fasteners with the car in the air. Once the wheels are installed and suspension loaded, it's only a matter of time until the bushings tear.

Done properly, a new suspension should make your car feel and handle like new. And for much longer than 9 months.

[Westija]

Torn bushings lead to play and relative motion between parts that will generate what you describe.
I would say you should replace them.
Then I would take the car to a reputable and detail oriented alognment shop and check it to see if they can detect amy remaining consequences of the accidents.
Trading in the car is somewhat a personal call. If the repair was done correctly you can still enjoy it. If you trade it, that record will hurt the price. A matter of balancing the options.

- - - Updated - - -

Torn bushings lead to play and relative motion between parts that will generate what you describe.
I would say you should replace them.
Then I would take the car to a reputable and detail oriented alignment shop and check it to see if they can detect amy remaining consequences of the accident.
Trading in the car is somewhat of a personal call. If the repair was done correctly you can still enjoy it. If you trade it in, that record will hurt the price. A matter of balancing the options.

[theweebabyseamus]

I am betting the shop that installed your new suspension did not do it properly. All bushings must be tightened while the suspension is under load. Usually done by placing a jack under the wheel hub and supporting the weight of the car.

It is likely they installed the new control arms and tightened all the fasteners with the car in the air. Once the wheels are installed and suspension loaded, it's only a matter of time until the bushings tear.

Done properly, a new suspension should make your car feel and handle like new. And for much longer than 9 months.

+1

If you got 21k worth of work and a ‘new suspension’ from an accident, then I would be surprised if control arms weren’t a part of that. If that’s the case then I would take it up with the shop that did the insurance work or your insurance company.

[ThorMjolnir]

Thank you for the input everyone!

I have spoken with the insurance company and previous repair shops and decided to go to an indie Audi shop to diagnose and repair.

From what I can tell, I might be replacing all 4 corners of control arms and some other bearings and such. With the suspension seriously messed up, I’ll be going to either the bilstein b12 kit or bilstein/H&R sport kit.

I looked at the 6 page part list from my accident and only half the suspension is “new” and the other half is original (came with the car).

I knew the accident was bad as chose a reputable shop to repair my car. Depending on what the indie shop says ... I’ll either trade or repair! Hopefully it’s repair because minus the few issues I’ve had.. this is my all time favorite car!


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[ThorMjolnir]

Update: the issue has been solved....!


Blown shocks and worn springs. They are throwing off everything and my handling is shit. When I accelerate, I couldn’t tell my rear was excessively trying to torque around itself.

Solution!: I’m buying the B8 Bilstein kit with H&R OE Sports!


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[Morritse]

Update: the issue has been solved....!


Blown shocks and worn springs. They are throwing off everything and my handling is shit. When I accelerate, I couldn’t tell my rear was excessively trying to torque around itself.

Solution!: I’m buying the B8 Bilstein kit with H&R OE Sports!


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You should get the stock suspension replaced under warranty first, then sell it and put the kit in.

[ModItNow]

Update: the issue has been solved....!


Blown shocks and worn springs. They are throwing off everything and my handling is shit. When I accelerate, I couldn’t tell my rear was excessively trying to torque around itself.

Solution!: I’m buying the B8 Bilstein kit with H&R OE Sports!


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I can't believe the shop that did your warranty work didn't replace the springs and shocks if that much work was done to the suspension! Anyways if that's all it is, that's an easy fix and you get an upgrade. Is the insurance paying?

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[ThorMjolnir]

Just got my car back today. I am going to contact the shop that did the repairs and see if they will warranty the shocks for me. I had the new shop save my OEM springs/shocks and looking at them... they are horrible. The piston stays completely compressed on all 4 shocks.

Overall, I am glad I got the Bilstein kit. The car is much better now and the cars feel like an S4. I think the last item on the list is a rear sway bar.

I’ll keep this updated if I hear back from the insurance/repair shop if they will warranty the old suspension.


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[Symko]

I will be purchasing the Bilstein kit soon as well. Did you end up replacing your UCAs as well? If so, what did you replace them with? I will be replacing mine when replacing the shocks/struts with the Bilstein setup. I cannot wait to tighten up the suspension.

Thanks

Just got my car back today. I am going to contact the shop that did the repairs and see if they will warranty the shocks for me. I had the new shop save my OEM springs/shocks and looking at them... they are horrible. The piston stays completely compressed on all 4 shocks.

Overall, I am glad I got the Bilstein kit. The car is much better now and the cars feel like an S4. I think the last item on the list is a rear sway bar.

I’ll keep this updated if I hear back from the insurance/repair shop if they will warranty the old suspension.


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