Endlinks replacement only - need new bolts?

[phanker]

Thanks.

[MacFady]

Are you asking if you need new bolts or if someone else needs the new bolts you have?

[F16HTON]

Thanks.

OEM repair manual states to replace.

[phanker]

Does changing end links require removing existing bolts? Can't reuse them apparently, thus requiring new bolts.

[SteveYem]

Does changing end links require removing existing bolts? Can't reuse them apparently, thus requiring new bolts.

The endlinks connect to the sway bar and control arm with bolts, so to removing the endlink requires removing the bolts. The bolts are "torque to yield", or "stretch bolts", meaning that when the bolt is installed it is torqued to the point of stretching the bolt to achieve a high enough tension to make the bolt self-locking. Technically they should be used only once.

I have removed and reinstalled these exact bolts multiple times on my B8.5. Each time I've removed them, I've had to apply breaking torque that feels like the same torque I used to install them, but I cannot prove that the torque is the same. What I can say with confidence is that I have not had one come loose.

[SDV325]

Are you suppose to? Yes. Reality is a little different.

After doing my front brakes I replaced all the stretch bolts holding the carrier to the hub. Examining the new bolts vs the old ones I couldn't notice any evidence of strain but had new ones anyways.

Much would be the same for the suspension bolts I assume.

Edit: Just thinking, the bolts are "torque to yield" however steel can yield and not reach deformation, meaning the material can reach a yield point without showing signs of deformation (stretching). I doubt we are anywhere near the stresses required to stretch the bolt, but some yielding may be present. I thinks its the Germans being German...

[SteveYem]

Are you suppose to? Yes. Reality is a little different.

After doing my front brakes I replaced all the stretch bolts holding the carrier to the hub. Examining the new bolts vs the old ones I couldn't notice any evidence of strain but had new ones anyways.

Much would be the same for the suspension bolts I assume.

Agreed. If I were really concerned about it (which I'm not), I would add removable thread locking compound to the threads of each bolt for extra assurance that it does not back out.

[derek.kritz]

If you think the dealer installs new hardware when ever they remove stretch bolts, think again...
Edit: not saying it's NOT a good idea to do so...

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[S4'ed]

I re-used old endlink bolts (and endlinks), front and rear, no problems for 20,000 miles so far, with the stiffer EuroCode bars, both set to the stiff setting.