DIY Upper control arm bushing replacement with solid "poly" bushings

[Ape Factory]

Here's my latest video, this time I swap out the bonded rubber, problematic upper control arm bushings with a set of Powerflex "race" bushings into my Stern adjustable upper control arms. I'll a few details for the how to part later.

[shortyolsen2017]

One of the better videos I've seen. Looking good..

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[Ape Factory]

Thanks shorty!

Tool wise, just make sure you have a few 16mm wrenches. Audi always likes to use "unusual" sizes.

The basic set of tools is as follows:
-(2) 16mm wrenches, ratcheting version very helpful
-basic metric socket set but you really don't use it
-impact driver, mine's a smaller size, 1/4" shank so you don't overpower everything
-low profile jack
-jack stands
-work lights
-Bushing/bearing press kit https://www.amazon.com/WINTOOLS-Univ...9065300&sr=8-9
-penetrating fluid
-Krytox lubricant https://www.amazon.com/Chemours-Kryt...9065239&sr=8-1


Parts I used...
OEM nut and bolt kit from ECS Tuning https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/n10425302kt/
Powerflex "black" bushings, part number PFF3-203BLK https://www.powerflexusa.com/shop/pr...s-bushing-2777


These are the individual part numbers for the Audi stretch bolts if you want to try and source them less expensively. Probably just easier to purchase the ECS kit.
(4) Upper control arm inner bolts, # N10425302
(4) Upper control arm inner nuts, # N10286110
(2) Steering upright pinch bolts, # WHT007963
(2) Steering upright pinch bolt nuts, # N10272302

[Sftuner]

Can you let us know if the bushing made a big difference thanks


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[hahnmgh63]

I think I'm going with these when I start putting my RS5 back together. I had purchased new Lemforder arms for my RS5 but I stole them for my S5 so I still need to do the RS5.

[Ape Factory]

Since installing, I've taken the car in for an alignment as things were definitely out enough that I noticed. I also raised my car by 5mm all the way around.

Have to say I'm really happy with these bushings and the new alignment. I used to have this "dead" area, just off center, which didn't provide linear turn-in. I'd start to turn the wheel and not much would happen. Just seemed a bit sloppy, lethargic, until the wheel's angle was a bit further along. The new bushings mostly cured this. I don't have the Alu Kreuz (the ONE supsension mod I don't have!) but I'd imagine the difference before and after is probably similar. May do the Alu for weight loss alone.

I've gotten two hard drives in with the new alignment numbers and I'm quite happy. Haven't had the chance to see if the triple digit, hard on the brakes rear wag is gone. But the entire car feels much tighter and sharp overall than it did prior. Looking at my alignment going in, things were pretty off. Shitty roads and of course, removing the upper control arms.

New numbers


Numbers from my previous alignment




Absolutely no extra noise but I'm not expecting any for at least a year or two based on my last test.

[hahnmgh63]

That's good to hear. Audi's in general have fairly precise steering if set up right but they really lack in any kind of feedback. My old '74 911 Carrera, now that car I can tell when I run over a spec of dust. I'll go ahead and order the bushings this week.
Your specs look good. I just had my S5 done and it looks very similar to yours.

[Ape Factory]

Agree...I CAN feel the granularity of it. I can feel the road surface but it doesn't load up like a hydraulic system does as you go through the different phases and tire loading in a corner. I've had a few exceptional cars in that regard and have driven a few 911's so I know what you're referring to!

[jay f.]

Necro-bump, but just wanted to see if there were any updates after close to two years?

[Ape Factory]

Bushings are still good, zero issues, zero extra noise. I know one other RS5 owner who used them in the lower control arm, main bushing, and had problems with them. Not sure what the cause or point of failure was though, still waiting on diagnosis. Seems to be a good option for the front upper control arms.