Audi A6 Avant S-Line/Le Mans Suspension Arm Rubber Bush

[chasingracecars]

I have just had my garage tell me that there is excessive play on the nearside front control arms. There is also play in the another 3. What concerns me is there is no noise and no vagueness to the steering. I have had worn bushes before but never had 4 go like this.

Garage has quoted £600 to fit new arms.

Nearside Front Upper (Rear Arm Inner Bush)
Nearside Front Upper (Front Arm Inner Bush)

Offside Front Upper (Rear Arm Inner Bush)
Offside Front Upper (Front Arm Inner Bush)

DATSC will look at free of charge tomorrow.

It all looks a bit of a con to me. Any suggestions on how to check?

[aceparts]

The upper suspension arms are very much a consumable! Be sure to fit a good brand - Audi / TRW / Febi etc

[chasingracecars]

Even after 5 Years and 90k miles?? Going to get the bushes done but lowest quote so far £200!! Bit diffferent to £600!!!

[aceparts]

90k is good. If you put cheap parts on then you'll be doing it again next year.

[KungFuPanda]

£200 isn't bad just to get the bushes done. Sometimes the increased labour in pushing the bushes out and getting the new ones in wipes out any saving on parts.

[chasingracecars]

Ok so an update!!

The garage shouldn't have failed the MOT, they should have put down an advisory on just one bush!!

Anyway fitted new arms to front Left of car.

As a note this is not a home job!!

Remove wheel, cut off head of bolt holding two control arms in place. Heat wishbone and hit remaining part of bolt with hammer very hard for 20 mins!! It will have seized. Aluminium and steel.

Then remove the top bolts Holding the shock absorber under the bonnet and the bolt at the base of the shock absorber. This will allow you to rotate the assembly enough to remove the upper bolts to the control arm.

You may have to disconnect the ride height adjuster and the tie rod as these may hold up the suspension too much.

Replace both front and rear arms as easier to do at once. Then get a replacement bolt from Audi dealer. £3 or so.

Reassemble and then all good!

[Dr G]

Sounds about right - we advise customers to budget for a small amount of extra labour as the bolts so commonly seize.

Every car has its foibles and that one's just annoying rather than catastrophic, fortunately