Absolutely best control arm kit?

[forbiddenbeat]

I recently installed TTX Ohlins, and at the same time had all of the control arms, tie rods, and front sway bar links replaced. The shop that did the install just ordered the kit their parts guy recommended, which has proven to be junk. I've had non-stop squeaking from something up front (likely the upper control arms), and a lower control arm boot is already torn 3 months later. I'm also getting clunking over broken pavement, similar to the sound one gets when all the control arms are getting old.

I'd like to replace the entire kit with the best components I can get. What's the best overall kit or set of control arms and links I can get for a primarily street-driven car (with the goal of comfort and reduction in noise, so no solid bearings)?

Thanks in advance!

[komseh]

give 034 a call

[Gareth_oau]

I've got the 034s.

installer said they are a great piece of kit, but a pain to instal

[LINDW4LL]

OE, in my opinion.

It seems aftermarket never last as long.

[WTF its Arturo]

034 Density line UCAs. They're local to us as well. I've used these UCAs on my B6 avant and my RS. One of the nice things about them is that they'll warranty their parts for a year after you have them install it.

I think the only other comparable options are the Stern UCAs, which I'll let other folks chime in about them.

[singleframe]

replaced stock UCAs with 034s at 60K. Original ones were 80% shot. These have been solid for the last two years. 🏼 sucks that part guy didn't know his parts!

[CoreyRS]

I had several sets of 034 control arms installed by 034 on my B6. They did seem to wear out quite quickly, but 034 would replace them without any hassles. Adil is a good dude

[Gareth_oau]

OE, in my opinion.

It seems aftermarket never last as long.

but OE arent adjustable, so if you want to lower the car, you will wear out tyres a lot faster than the control arm bushes

[Striddy]

I went with Sterns. They seem to be decent so far.

[TypeRx]

I've had CPT units with my Ohlins for ~5 years with no problems


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[Flying Tomatoes]

My sterns lasted about three years and two winters before crapping out. I think their biggest downfall is the lack of dust boots. Put on the 034 kit this summer and so far so good but only time will really tell if they last any longer.

[simple_king]

I have Sterns and they seem good so far. Sterns are easy to adjust and are serviceable.

[forbiddenbeat]

OK, thanks guys. Since I have my car serviced at 034, I'll just ask Adil about their kit. I don't run the car very low (26" all around), so I'm not sure if adjustable uppers are necessary.

[musasabi]

Another vote for the 034 Density kit (non adjustable, in my case). A year so far. =)

The only pain installing them was getting the OE's out of the stupid upright.

Oh, and breaking one of my DRC lines.

[skhan91]

Another vote for the 034 Density kit (non adjustable, in my case). A year so far. =)

The only pain installing them was getting the OE's out of the stupid upright.

Oh, and breaking one of my DRC lines.

ugh im scared to do that too. more of a reason for me to do coilovers while doing arms

[skhan91]

Another vote for the 034 Density kit (non adjustable, in my case). A year so far. =)

The only pain installing them was getting the OE's out of the stupid upright.

Oh, and breaking one of my DRC lines.

ugh im scared to do that too. more of a reason for me to do coilovers while doing arms

[badbluers4]

034 density! Love them! Come with dust boots. 2 years running

[musasabi]

ugh im scared to do that too. more of a reason for me to do coilovers while doing arms

Ahh, just be careful. I did my passenger's side without so much as a scare. I only broke my driver's side because I was rushing.

Plus, I don't know about you, but I feel good about keeping my DRC's. They're the right ride height for my Titanium rims, they're stiff enough and supple enough for me, etc. Basically, I bought an RS4 because I think Audi did it almost perfectly.

I went with the 034 arms because the kit was cheaper than OE and I trust the brand. But my DRC's are already the second gen units, so I was glad to keep them.

So save the magic hydraulic sticks and just be careful. =D

[skhan91]

Ahh, just be careful. I did my passenger's side without so much as a scare. I only broke my driver's side because I was rushing.

Plus, I don't know about you, but I feel good about keeping my DRC's. They're the right ride height for my Titanium rims, they're stiff enough and supple enough for me, etc. Basically, I bought an RS4 because I think Audi did it almost perfectly.

I went with the 034 arms because the kit was cheaper than OE and I trust the brand. But my DRC's are already the second gen units, so I was glad to keep them.

So save the magic hydraulic sticks and just be careful. =D

yea for now im keeping the suspension. its fine for what i need but might do coils in the summer!

[swesna]

What are you going to get?

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[MattboyR32]

For those with the 034 UCAs what camber are you able to get before being maxed out?

[WTF its Arturo]

For those with the 034 UCAs what camber are you able to get before being maxed out?

I'm maxed out at around -2.1/2.2

[FastEddie]

Love my 034 kit

[Mr. Corey]

Just ordered 034 adj UCAs along with rear sway bar and adjustable end links

[singleframe]

yea for now im keeping the suspension. its fine for what i need but might do coils in the summer!

you can always keep the DRC and get the KW H.A.S. kit 🏼

[skhan91]

you can always keep the DRC and get the KW H.A.S. kit 🏼

can that be installed without recharging the DRC system?

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[MattboyR32]

can that be installed without recharging the DRC system?

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yes, the install instructions are floating around the KW website somewhere with pics. basically tilt it out and do the spring change with drc still connected.

[skhan91]

yes, the install instructions are floating around the KW website somewhere with pics. basically tilt it out and do the spring change with drc still connected.

I was under the impression, anytime you are changing the springs out on the DRC you will have to discharge/recharge the system? I initially jsut wanted to do H&R springs on DRC

[FWP!]

I was under the impression, anytime you are changing the springs out on the DRC you will have to discharge/recharge the system? I initially jsut wanted to do H&R springs on DRC

I have H&R's and never had to discharge my DRC system. It's a tight fit and it's best to have an extra set of hands to help, but you can drop the strut down and then point the top of it out of the fender well enough to get to the nut ontop of the strut assembly to remove the top mount, then swap the springs and put the nut back on and put the strut back into place. Like I said though, it's not easy, but it is doable.

[skhan91]

I have H&R's and never had to discharge my DRC system. It's a tight fit and it's best to have an extra set of hands to help, but you can drop the strut down and then point the top of it out of the fender well enough to get to the nut ontop of the strut assembly to remove the top mount, then swap the springs and put the nut back on and put the strut back into place. Like I said though, it's not easy, but it is doable.

hmmm okay.

i am planning on having my local shop do it so I'm guessing an actual mechanic shouldn't have trouble with it as oppose to me possibly Fing up the DRC

edit: sorry for thread jacking! :S

[musanoadsaba]

skhan, I have the KW HAS kit. Riegel did the install and no problem with the DRC as mentioned above.

[skhan91]

skhan, I have the KW HAS kit. Riegel did the install and no problem with the DRC as mentioned above.

awesome! i will call them up again. got a very high quote $$ last time on coilovers

[voidopolis]

I'm about to do my uppers - I found a DIY for the S4 how different is the RS4 swap with DRC? or does someone know of a DIY more specific to the RS4 for replacement of uppers? sorry for the somewhat threadjack... :)

[musasabi]

I'm about to do my uppers - I found a DIY for the S4 how different is the RS4 swap with DRC? or does someone know of a DIY more specific to the RS4 for replacement of uppers? sorry for the somewhat threadjack... :)

Just be careful with the DRC's. Mind that the steel flex line to the shock doesn't get put at any uncomfortable angles and you'll still have plenty of room to work. Like I said, I only ruptured my driver's side because I rushed it.

[FWP!]

Just ordered a set of 034 front lower control arms, I already have SPC adjustable uppers. $300 shipped.

[forbiddenbeat]

My car is at 034 right now getting some suspension issues resolved (previous installer botched the TTX install), and getting their front control arm kit installed. Will report back when I get the car back.

[forbiddenbeat]

Final update - car is back from 034 with their complete front set of Density Line control arms. No noise, ride feels great.

I have the parts the previous installed used, and it turns out they were Febi/Bilstein, which are supposed to be high quality. Unsure why they were making noise. I have to assume the previous installer did something wrong, since he also made two other mistakes when installing my Ohlins. If anyone wants a complete set of controls arms minus the lower driver side (which has a torn boot) for dirt cheap, let me know.

[samman01]

Are the O34s better than the OEM? Majority of what I have heard is that they are best at price point.


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[denis silva]

Im getting they're upper control arms as soon as i come back fromvacation


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[BCsniper]

I got a set for sale for $315 (shipping included) with the brand new rebuild kit, so basically a brand new set of UCA's for $120 less than what 034 charges