B8 S4 Subframe Problems

[Maximoose001]

Please help: So while I was putting everything back together during my grille install, I noticed that there is a piece chipped off of my subframe where my control arm bolts In. Looks like I have to replace my subframe which I’m not too thrilled about. Has this happened to anyone on their B8 S4/A4? How much is the labor supposed to be? My mechanic is charging me $600 for labor. (Taking it to my mechanic not Audi Dealer) 9014790148


- Max
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[Maximoose001]

It’s the front subframe


- Max
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[LYKUNO]

Our 2011 S4 suffered a left front hit a couple years ago, and when the collision repairs were completed, the car was sent over to the dealer to have an alignment done on it. Turned out that the front subframe was sufficiently bent to prevent the alignment from being completed even though there was no readily apparent visible damage to it. The collision center was then going to replace the subframe with a used one from a 2012 S4. Fortunately, I was able to find a brand new subframe frame on sale at ECS Tuning for a little over $600 (they are currently going for just over $1700!), and they agreed to go that route (I basically insisted on the new one, which was actually less costly than the recycled one they had obtained). Anyway, the dealer installed it at a cost of around $900 to the repair invoice. The insurance company of the girl (a distracted driver) who hit our car picked up the entire repair bill, so didn't cost us a dime, though it was a heck of an inconvenience for almost 2 months.

Do you recall hitting anything like road debris, or something else that might have caused the damage to your subframe? As noted on the ECS website: "The front subframe keeps your front end components secure and allows for mounting of the control arms, transmission cross member, the strut brace and many other pieces. The subframe could be considered a 'bracket' for the front end. Not often damaged, unless through an accident, if the subframe is bent, it can cause alignment and drivetrain issues since the driveline would not be sitting properly." Good luck with your car and keep us posted on progress and outcome.

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/449995_x450.jpg

[chaos2984]

looks like it hit sometime. The sound shield is crack right there. Looks like you or previous owner hit something at some point.

[Maximoose001]

The car does have a lot of miles on it (133k) so I was thinking it might have been cracked but the piece had eventually fallen off since Ive owned it since Audi Fort Lauderdale nor my mechanic spotted the issue which I found odd given the fact i pad for a full $400 inspection for the car at Audi. Being completely honest I did curb my rim like an idiot on a curb power sliding in the rain (basically the only way to get an Audi Quattro sideways) but that was on the other side (passenger side) and it wasn’t nearly a hard enough hit to do any internal damage (curbed rim and bumper scrape on the underside). I hardly hit the curb but maybe it was weak before and that finished it off? Not quite sure. Just trying to gather information and do my research before getting it repaired for a total of $850 since I’m going with a recycled part that is $350 and the labor is $600. Thanks guys.


- Max
Sent from my iPhone using Audizine (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

[Maximoose001]

Our 2011 S4 suffered a left front hit a couple years ago, and when the collision repairs were completed, the car was sent over to the dealer to have an alignment done on it. Turned out that the front subframe was sufficiently bent to prevent the alignment from being completed even though there was no readily apparent visible damage to it. The collision center was then going to replace the subframe with a used one from a 2012 S4. Fortunately, I was able to find a brand new subframe frame on sale at ECS Tuning for a little over $600 (they are currently going for just over $1700!), and they agreed to go that route (I basically insisted on the new one, which was actually less costly than the recycled one they had obtained). Anyway, the dealer installed it at a cost of around $900 to the repair invoice. The insurance company of the girl (a distracted driver) who hit our car picked up the entire repair bill, so didn't cost us a dime, though it was a heck of an inconvenience for almost 2 months.

Do you recall hitting anything like road debris, or something else that might have caused the damage to your subframe? As noted on the ECS website: "The front subframe keeps your front end components secure and allows for mounting of the control arms, transmission cross member, the strut brace and many other pieces. The subframe could be considered a 'bracket' for the front end. Not often damaged, unless through an accident, if the subframe is bent, it can cause alignment and drivetrain issues since the driveline would not be sitting properly." Good luck with your car and keep us posted on progress and outcome.

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/449995_x450.jpg

The car does have a lot of miles on it (133k) so I was thinking it might have been cracked but the piece had eventually fallen off since Ive owned it since Audi Fort Lauderdale nor my mechanic spotted the issue which I found odd given the fact i pad for a full $400 inspection for the car at Audi. Being completely honest I did curb my rim like an idiot on a curb power sliding in the rain (basically the only way to get an Audi Quattro sideways) but that was on the other side (passenger side) and it wasn’t nearly a hard enough hit to do any internal damage (curbed rim and bumper scrape on the underside). I hardly hit the curb but maybe it was weak before and that finished it off? Not quite sure. Just trying to gather information and do my research before getting it repaired for a total of $850 since I’m going with a recycled part that is $350 and the labor is $600. Thanks guys.


- Max
Sent from my iPhone using Audizine (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)[/QUOTE]

[LYKUNO]

Have you ever had the car aligned while you've owned it, either before or after the curb hit (or both)? Have you seen any unusual tire wear on either the driver or passenger side (or both) since you've had the car? Make sure you get an alignment once that recycled subframe is installed. I'd recommend a full 4-wheel alignment be done once the work has been done, just to ensure everything is within specs.

[Maximoose001]

Have you ever had the car aligned while you've owned it, either before or after the curb hit (or both)? Have you seen any unusual tire wear on either the driver or passenger side (or both) since you've had the car? Make sure you get an alignment once that recycled subframe is installed. I'd recommend a full 4-wheel alignment be done once the work has been done, just to ensure everything is within specs.

I did not get an alignment after the curb hit. My wheels were still perfectly straight. I have some tire wear from me sliding around but nothing strange. My mechanic is throwing in an alignment after install free of charge.


- Max
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[LYKUNO]

I did not get an alignment after the curb hit. My wheels were still perfectly straight. I have some tire wear from me sliding around but nothing strange. My mechanic is throwing in an alignment after install free of charge.
- Max
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Check with your mechanic to make sure that any one-time-use/stretch bolts that may be required are ordered/used, and are properly torqued. Not sure how many are required, but here's an 034 Motorsport kit (https://www.etektuning.com/034motorsport-x-brace-stretch-bolt-subframe-hardware-kit-for-b8-pre-facelift-audi-a4-s4-a5-s5-q5/)that says "Complete factory subframe bolt kit for the B8 (Pre-Facelift) Audi A4/S4, A5/S5, and Q5"

[Maximoose001]

Check with your mechanic to make sure that any one-time-use/stretch bolts that may be required are ordered/used, and are properly torqued. Not sure how many are required, but here's an 034 Motorsport kit (https://www.etektuning.com/034motorsport-x-brace-stretch-bolt-subframe-hardware-kit-for-b8-pre-facelift-audi-a4-s4-a5-s5-q5/)that says "Complete factory subframe bolt kit for the B8 (Pre-Facelift) Audi A4/S4, A5/S5, and Q5"

I will mention it thanks. He does have lots of experience with Audi’s and luxury/exotic cars in general so I trust he’s not cutting any corners but I will check with him


- Max
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[Maximoose001]

Turns out my subframe was fine the whole time... it’s supposed to look like that. It’s great having an honest and trustworthy mechanic


- Max
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[LYKUNO]

Well that's certainly good news! At least you now know what the cost of errant slides into curbs or other immovable objects could potentially cost you!

[Maximoose001]

Well that's certainly good news! At least you now know what the cost of errant slides into curbs or other immovable objects could potentially cost you!

HAHAHA ok ok now that was funny


- Max
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[Maximoose001]

Actually had a chance to track the car over the weekend and after it performing flawlessly I confirmed it myself that everything is all good w the car.


- Max
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