View Full Version : Front adjustable control arms?
klrider44
11-22-2014, 05:45 PM
I recently picked up some vogtland coilovers and want to get them installed soon. But I want to replace some other suspension components at the same time. I have done some research and it seems that front adjustable control arms are needed for camber adjustment when the car is lowered. I also want to replace my tie rod ends because I feel that they are shot and would explain my loose steering wheel at slower speeds and sometimes unpredictable adjustments of the car at slow speeds. If someone thinks that this is not due to bad tie rod ends please chime in. I have been leaning towards 034 adjustable control arms with new tie rods from JHM. I see that they have metal instead rubber tie rod ends available, is that a good upgrade to go with? Also are there any cheaper adjustable control arms that are worthy of a purchase cause they are rather pricey at around $450. I don't mind shelling out that money if it's worth it. Please let me know your thoughts.
viziers
11-22-2014, 05:51 PM
I just installed the 034 UACA's a couple weeks ago and so far like them..
vizi
Khaotic
11-22-2014, 11:00 PM
I've had my 034 upper adjustable installed for 6 months and no complaints. The guy that did my alignment right after install was impressed by them also.
Good thing is, you can buy the rebuild kit if you need to down the road (stable company so wont go out of production) instead of buying complete new set of arms.
If I recall correctly, Phil had his Stern arms go bad, but wouldnt get replacement parts from them.
aluthman
11-23-2014, 05:33 AM
I'm about to replace my 034 adjustable arms. I've had them for about a year and a half and ~35k miles. They are not ideally suited for a daily driver in a place that has harsh winters. The Aurora joints they use instead of sealed ball joints are quite noisy after a few thousand miles. This can be temporarily fixed by filling the dust covers with grease, but you need to reapply every 2-3 months to keep them quiet. I've also had my car aligned 3 times since I installed them. The first was right after install and the guy also commented on how nice they were. On the second and third time though, the toe and camber needed significant adjustment. My summer tires now have excessive wear on the inside shoulder. I think the Aurora joints have worn to the point that they are unable to hold everything in alignment. I could buy the rebuild kit, but I don't want to have to keep doing this every year to keep from destroying tires. I'm going back to non-adjustable control arms with sealed ball joints.
klrider44
11-23-2014, 05:56 AM
Hmm this makes me think twice about the 034 arms. Anyone else have problems like aluthman?
fly300kts
11-23-2014, 06:52 AM
Hmm this makes me think twice about the 034 arms. Anyone else have problems like aluthman?
No issues with 034 here, best choice IMO and I went through few different setups
Phil
klrider44
11-23-2014, 09:17 AM
No issues with 034 here, best choice IMO and I went through few different setups
Phil
Any experience with the HD metal tie rod ends. Are they okay for the street? Or should I stick with the OE type tie rod ends
aluthman
11-23-2014, 10:33 AM
Just to be clear, these are the control arms I have on my car:
http://store.034motorsport.com/034motorsport-density-line-adjustable-upper-control-arm-kit-b5-b6-b7-c5-audi-a4-s4-rs4-a6-s6-rs6.html
034 may or may not have other variations of control arm for the B7 that address the issues I'm having.
rongeur
11-23-2014, 12:52 PM
I have the 034 adjustables just like Aluthman. I agree with his impressions.
1. Spherical joint are race hardware and not meant to be life long and are not meant to have the duration of sealed links. Clicks will develop normally and replacement will always be necessary.
2. The alignment shops I called and went with were both unhappy with those arms because they are a pain in the ass to align for them (have to remove wheel, unlink, rotate spherical, retighten, relink and replace wheel.). Ultimately is it more expensive to align with these UCAs.
3. They are heavier than OEM UCAs but stronger as well.
That being said, I like them for now, when they wear out i will be picking up a set of adjustables, these http://www.audiunderground.com/spc-front-upper-adjustable-multi-link-arm-set-front-2-arms-1-side-only/?gclid=CjwKEAiAqMajBRCdjejki6yjuDwSJACQeVuky_x3clA 8yfJU-W-1kzqODToeVhRfVujVLXbUlHT1whoCWszw_wcB
klrider44
11-23-2014, 02:29 PM
I have the 034 adjustables just like Aluthman. I agree with his impressions.
1. Spherical joint are race hardware and not meant to be life long and are not meant to have the duration of sealed links. Clicks will develop normally and replacement will always be necessary.
2. The alignment shops I called and went with were both unhappy with those arms because they are a pain in the ass to align for them (have to remove wheel, unlink, rotate spherical, retighten, relink and replace wheel.). Ultimately is it more expensive to align with these UCAs.
3. They are heavier than OEM UCAs but stronger as well.
That being said, I like them for now, when they wear out i will be picking up a set of adjustables, these http://www.audiunderground.com/spc-front-upper-adjustable-multi-link-arm-set-front-2-arms-1-side-only/?gclid=CjwKEAiAqMajBRCdjejki6yjuDwSJACQeVuky_x3clA 8yfJU-W-1kzqODToeVhRfVujVLXbUlHT1whoCWszw_wcB
What's the difference between those arms and the 034 arms. Also are there any particular tie rod ends you would recommend? As I will be getting new ones.
klrider44
11-23-2014, 05:41 PM
i just ordered these (http://www.amazon.com/Moog-K100092-Control-Joint-Assembly/dp/B007ZLKL4M/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1416790316&sr=1-1&keywords=Moog+K100092)
Have you installed them yet? Any issues? I can't find on there where it says that it fits out cars.
klrider44
11-23-2014, 07:30 PM
nope, i literally just placed my order a few minutes before posting here
give this thread (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/549450-Moog-adjustable-upper-control-arms) a read
Awesome link, thanks a lot. Any link's to awesome deals on tie rods too :)
ive been happy with the Moog uca's and these tie rod ends (http://www.europaparts.com/tie-rod-assembly-4b0419801m-meyle.html) . they've been on for over a year without any issues.
good to know [up] do you run them all year round? what kinda winters do you get? thats pretty much my primary concern
I am in PA- we had alot of snow last year. i also go snowboading often, so they see there fair share of salt and grime. yes, i use them all year.