Back at it again with the control arms...

[Obsidian]

Hey guys,

So I'm here yet again with replacing my front control arm bushings. These ones lasted me about 35k miles... is this average? I was exploring some other options rather than the OEM rubber ones. I came across PowerFlex (http://www.modbargains.com/powerflex-bushings-audi-a4-b7.htm) which look to be good quality but I wanted to see if there was something else out there that I was missing. I don't want to replace the entire set of controls arms with aftermarket. The OEM part numbers needed are listed below.

Audi VW Control Arm Bushing Front Lower Front Inner - 4D0407182G
Audi VW Control Arm Bushing Front Lower Rear (A4 A6 S4 Passat) - 4D0407183AC
Audi VW Control Arm Bushing Front Upper - 8D0407515C

Should I just go with the OEM rubber ones and bite the bullet yet again or is there anything better out there? Thanks in advance!

[Okedokey]

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[i3oricua]

Hey guys,

So I'm here yet again with replacing my front control arm bushings. These ones lasted me about 35k miles... is this average? I was exploring some other options rather than the OEM rubber ones. I came across PowerFlex (http://www.modbargains.com/powerflex-bushings-audi-a4-b7.htm) which look to be good quality but I wanted to see if there was something else out there that I was missing. I don't want to replace the entire set of controls arms with aftermarket. The OEM part numbers needed are listed below.

Audi VW Control Arm Bushing Front Lower Front Inner - 4D0407182G
Audi VW Control Arm Bushing Front Lower Rear (A4 A6 S4 Passat) - 4D0407183AC
Audi VW Control Arm Bushing Front Upper - 8D0407515C

Should I just go with the OEM rubber ones and bite the bullet yet again or is there anything better out there? Thanks in advance!

Email the guys at FCP Euro and see what they say. Some if not most of their parts have lifetime warranties.

[UberTeile]

Here are a few lesser known upper poly options....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUDI-Passat-Front-Upper-Control-Arm-Bushing-Kit-94-12-W53407-/321824518216?vxp=mtr&hash=item4aee3c7048

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PU-Bush-Fr-Susp-Upper-arm-fits-A4-A6-A8-A8Q-SUPERB-/151895982280

And here's a pair of inexpensive poly lower forward inners(repl. 4D0407182G)...

http://www.amazon.com/2001-2008-1997-2005-Passat-Front-Bushing/dp/B00LNIMJMU?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

[aluthman]

35k miles from OEM bushings is not average. Most cars don't need them until around 100k miles. It sounds like a possible install error.

[vvenom800tt]

The first link is whiteline. They are quite reputable in the subaru world

[Obsidian]

35k miles from OEM bushings is not average. Most cars don't need them until around 100k miles. It sounds like a possible install error.

Hmm... could have been. I talked to the rep at 034 Motorsport and he said average is in between 35-50k. I don't know whats what when it comes to this so I'm in the dark. I installed the FCP kit at about 75k and just kicked over 105k. Anyhow, I ended up ordering a density line kit from 034 so hopefully this one will last me longer. Reason I went with an entire kit is because it was actually going to cost be the same amount to just replace everything rather than just the bushings, since labor is a killer to press the bushing in and out. Also I was told by two ppl that the rubber bushings tend to fail quicker here in AZ since its so damn dry and hot, which could have been a influence on my current failure.

[aluthman]

Yeah the AZ weather may be a factor in the early failure. I'm running FCP control arms and have had them on for about 30K miles now and there's no sign of them going bad anytime soon.

[67Twisty]

I'm not sure why, but I've always liked the feedback/front handling feel on the VAG multi link set-up. Guess that's why I've been driving them for so many years. That being said, the rubber control arm set-up sucks for longevity. It should last 100k but if you lower or change the geometry at all they don't. I've been tempted to go with power flex bushings and use my press to swap them out. Think I'll do it on my E36 too since they get good reviews on that platform.

[aluthman]

I'm not sure why, but I've always liked the feedback/front handling feel on the VAG multi link set-up. Guess that's why I've been driving them for so many years. That being said, the rubber control arm set-up sucks for longevity. It should last 100k but if you lower or change the geometry at all they don't. I've been tempted to go with power flex bushings and use my press to swap them out. Think I'll do it on my E36 too since they get good reviews on that platform.

That's probably because most people don't loosen and retighten the bushing bolts at the new ride height.

[67Twisty]

Likely true. But I had a local shop I trust do it once and I DIY'd it once. Both times resulted in failed OE bushings in under 30k and I'm not particularly low (Eibach/Koni yellows). Maybe I got new old stock rubber or the shop and I both miss-measured. Stock rubber is good for comfort but modern poly will way outlast it.

[Obsidian]

Likely true. But I had a local shop I trust do it once and I DIY'd it once. Both times resulted in failed OE bushings in under 30k and I'm not particularly low (Eibach/Koni yellows). Maybe I got new old stock rubber or the shop and I both miss-measured. Stock rubber is good for comfort but modern poly will way outlast it.

Which poly bushings do you have?

[67Twisty]

I installed Nylatron NSM on my TR. They're self lubricating so you don't get the squeaking like on regular poly. That car is on shorter track springs and so far they have performed excellently. Powerflex are supposed to be a good mix between the comfort of rubber and longevity of poly. I was leaning towards using them on the Avant but went with the FCP forum discount based on the mostly positive reviews here. I saved the OEs and will press-in Powerflex if they too are short-lived. Downside is you do have to grease them from time to time.

[vvenom800tt]

Just be liberal with cobber grease when installing and they should be pretty good. When i do my control arms im getting powerflex black for sure

[Theiceman]

I have my own press so getting bushings will be the way for me to go too. 35K seems shockingly low to me. I am at stock height and I would hope to get at least 70 K out of them . I m going to keep an eye on this thread to et an idea of what is recommended. I imagine Poly would transmit vibration and be a harsher ride no ?

[67Twisty]

35k is low and I'm not trying to suggest it's normal. But the multilink set-up was designed for factory ride height, wheels, hub spacing, etc. Change any of these parameters and the suspension will wear differently. Locking down the CAs at the revised ride height is crucial, but you've still changed the original design geometry. There's also not much adjustment built into the stock design. That's why vendors offer adjustable CAs and that's also a factor in why CV joints/axles can wear prematurely.

This is my daily and I have a long commute, so I'm trying to balance comfort with performance. I have polys on a couple cars. It does stiffen things up, but I don't find it harsh. Just less of a "touring" feel.

[vvenom800tt]

I feel as though poly isnthe way to go with our setup. A lot of the bmw guys are happy with powerflex black