Vibration

[bobs]

I have a good friend that has been too busy to properly deal with her '09 B8 vibration issues. The car (3.2) is now out of warranty with 75K on it. Bushings are shot. Tires have been replaced 3 times and re-balanced/aligned more times than she can remember. Just put a new set of Michelins on and wants to make it drive right without the "shimmy at 70" that has been there since first reported to the dealer when the car was practically new. All work/service on car has been done at the dealer since day one. This is the owners 5th ( and last?) Audi. AOA and the dealer have "offered" to discount the necessary work, bushings, control arms etc ]25%.[/B] Any suggestions ???--She is taking the car in in two days.--Thanks

[Highlander1010]

Needs the new lower control arms. That is your only chance at this point. Push for a better deal on parts and labor and check online to see if you can get the parts cheaper (make Audi give you the part numbers).

[Crucible35]

Wasn't there a TSB for the high speed vibration for the control arms? If there is I would lobby through the dealership with AofA and see if they will "good will" it. I had over 146KKms on my '09 and had AofC replaced the pistons and rings at no charge....mainly because it was a known issue and I have taken my car to the dealership for everything.

[AWDLover]

If it was documented while the car was still under warranty and is indeed the common problem covered under TSB, I would push them to do it for free. Just make sure all your wheels/tires are within spec for road force balance.

[AudiTLC]

Even if it is now out of warranty, maybe the dealer will replace the control arms since it has been documented as a problem.
Since they never solved the problem, just deferring her with tire rotations until it goes out of warranty is not a proper solution.

Also, if she has done all the service there, I would think they would want to make her happy- besides being the right thing to do.

There is a TSB regarding front control arms. If that TSB has not been addressed, they should cover that anyway.

My wife's car had the same issue.
Vibration at freeway speed.

They went through balancing tires, and rotating, and then replaced the control arms.
Car is perfectly smooth and has been since. No problems from the dealer.

Good luck to your friend

[bobs]

All good info. Thank you all.---How do I access the TSB?

[AWDLover]

I think it's TSB 2024687/2

[Highlander1010]

If it was documented while the car was still under warranty and is indeed the common problem covered under TSB, I would push them to do it for free. Just make sure all your wheels/tires are within spec for road force balance.

+1

[bobs]

Can't find the TSB. Sure would be useful. Tried 2024687/2--Nothing shows up. What is the +1 in the last post? --Car and owner are going to dealer Friday Morning at 7:30 to make decisions on work and cost.--I'll let everyone know the outcome. --Seems a little silly.--Just fix it!

[SDF1]

I think it's TSB 2024687/2

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ntrol+arms+tsb

[AWDLover]

Heres some info I came across with a quick google search: http://a6retrofit.tripod.com/article...vibration.html

There's also a 7 page thread on it somewhere in these forums.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747

[bobs]

Heres some info I came across with a quick google search: http://a6retrofit.tripod.com/article...vibration.html

There's also a 7 page thread on it somewhere in these forums.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747

I just read the above TSB. It only pertains to Tire and wheel balancing and road force. No mention of control arms,bushings etc.--I'd love to find the "7 page thread" --I'll keep looking today. T
he car and owner are at the dealer right now!

[AWDLover]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ight=vibration

[A4 Centaur]

B7's had the same issue with the lower control arms. There also was a a bad batch of replacement arms as well. My ex has gone through several sets on her B7 still.

Try the control arms and that should fix the issues. Good luck!

[bobs]

Thanks for everyone's advice and info. So here's the deal at present. Friend went to dealer yesterday and dropped off car after discussion with the service manager. Final deal. A loaner, a detail, and replacement of the bushings---only. Would not even entertain any conversation regarding control arms. We will see how it goes--and for how long. Seems to me that with all the postings and information over the years replacing the control arms should be a no brainer. Oh and by the way--total cost of "fix etc $468.00). The labor cost.

[AudiTLC]

That may fix it.
There's not much else to it than bushings and cast metal.

At this point, she should look for a reputable independent mechanic.
She is going to get far better service and much more reasonable rates.

If this does not work, do not throw more money at the problem.
The very first thing to do is get a proper diagnosis- what is actually wrong?
Usually, fixing assumptions is a very costly and frustrating approach.

good luck, hope it cures it and she enjoys the car! Keep some Audi loyalty hopefully!

[bobs]

So here is my Sunday thoughts. If the bushings are not the problem--what is?? Answer:control arms. Lets bet on how long before the vibration returns. I'm thinking 2-3 thousand miles or just as soon as the tires start to cup a little..--Sad that they did not step up.

[AudiTLC]

So here is my Sunday thoughts. If the bushings are not the problem--what is?? Answer:control arms. Lets bet on how long before the vibration returns. I'm thinking 2-3 thousand miles or just as soon as the tires start to cup a little..--Sad that they did not step up.

well, don't get ahead of yourself.
Most likely the problem is defective bushings in the control arms and it's just easier to replace the entire arm.
The arm itself has no moving parts and it's just the bushings pressed into them.

Just see if it works, could be problem solved.
Albeit, they did it to maximize their profit/minimize cost by doing it that way but she accepted and it's done.

[bobs]

That's an interesting thought.--Seems to me that to do the control arms and the bushings at the same time would eliminate a lot of guessing and work later on--if it's the control arms. I can tell you one thing for sure the bushings are shot!--I just figured it was a result of the control arms not the bushings being at fault.--We shall see.--Thanks again for everyone's input.