Suspension bushings, boots ... possible?

[sfl_A4]

My front control arm bushings/boots seem to be worn, and after spending a couple of hours searching and reading I can't find any info on replacing the boots or bushings. It seems most members in this forum replace all the control arms, ball joints and end-links with complete kits. I'm assuming that once the bushings or the little rubber boots start to break down the control arms and end-links must be worn out, so maybe it just doesn't make sense to R&R the bushings. Any thoughts on this, or is there a way to fix them?

Here is what my lower front control arms look like with 100k miles. These are original OEM parts, never replaced yet:

Left side

Right side

So, is it consensus to just get a new control arm kit, both upper and lower, and also replace the end links? Or is there a cheaper, easier route?

[mtroxel]

I've pressed my share of bushings and done my share of control arms. So for the work it takes to remove a control arm, press in a new bushing, then put it back in only to have the ball joint go a couple months later.........no thanks.

Years of B5 experience here, and I once bought a whole kit just to save money, but still only did them as they went bad. Seems like the upper fronts give up sooner than the lowers. The sway bar links? When they start popping I change 'em.

[fly300kts]

Just replace the assemblies, you will save time and money in the long run

Phil

[vtwinjunkie]

What seems to be the general consensus on mileage that suspension components fail on our A4's? Or do we know?

[aluthman]

Depnds on environment and usage. I swapped mine at about 125k and they were far from shot. It was a "while im in there" sort of thing

[vtwinjunkie]

Yea that makes sense. I thought I read somewhere that they usually go around 100k around normal conditions but I cant remember

[JayDog747]

What seems to be the general consensus on mileage that suspension components fail on our A4's? Or do we know?

50K. Why? Because that's when the warranty is up!

Front and rear upper control arm bushings last between 50-70K. They take the brunt of the punishment. Lower control arm bushings can last 100k+

The ball joints can last 100K+ as long as the boot is intact. These are wear items.

OP, I can guaranty that you need a complete front end refresh. Control arms, end links, sway bar bushings, inner and outter tie rods. I would even replace the rear upper contol arm bushings and outter hub bushing.

[sfl_A4]

Thanks all. I think I have to take a closer look at the rest of the suspension items, both front and back. Aside from a faint creaking as I back out of my driveway, I'm not experiencing any issue with suspension. Tire wear is very even, alignment seems to be okay, handling is not sloppy, and bearings have no play.

If I need to replace front and back suspension parts, I'm not sure I would want to overhaul everything all at once. I'm almost beginning to regret keeping the car if I have to continue to pour more money into it at this pace. I've put around $2500 into it in the past 3 months, and now it seems I'd need to put another $1500-2000 into suspension, plus I know my brakes and A/C need attention. So now we're talking over $5000 in a 9 year old car with over 100k miles. Tough to justify.

[mtroxel]

I've put around $2500 into it in the past 3 months, and now it seems I'd need to put another $1500-2000 into suspension, plus I know my brakes and A/C need attention. So now we're talking over $5000 in a 9 year old car with over 100k miles. Tough to justify.

You really have to do your own work if you're going to drive an old German car. It's the only way you can make sense out of it.

[vtwinjunkie]

You really have to do your own work if you're going to drive an old German car. It's the only way you can make sense out of it.

This^^^^

I have saved thousands in doing my own work...