Dreaded Front Control Arm Pinch Bolt Questions

**myfreeaudi** · 10-08-2016 05:43 PM

The control arm job went all right. The pinch bolts came out with PB Blaster, Map gas and lots of pounding with the BFH. One side took 2 hours and the other 3, don't give up. It was steel using the magnet test.

Questions:

1) I did not get a new pinch bolt for one side. The nearest available bolt was 4 hours round trip away. I used a quality Audi bolt and self locking nut left over from other jobs. Is this all right? Should I get the official bolt and replace the one I used?

2) Why does this bolt set up? It is somewhat lose in the steering knuckle hole. It is tighter with the control arm ball joint pegs in place, but not that tight. Any ideas?

Many thanks.

John

**Audibot** · 10-08-2016 06:50 PM

Crazy Ray's. Could've gone in, popped off the pinch bolt and locking nut, paid probably $1 for the bolt (plus the $2 to get in) and been done.

**LA4** · 10-08-2016 07:15 PM

Why not just get a new pinch bolt now (you can order online or your local dealer so it won't be a 4-hour trip), pop your wheel off, and throw it in. The bolt you just put in should pop out easily.

Sorry this isn't answering your question, I just don't see the point in having a loose bolt jiggling around in your suspension when you can easily solve the problem for $2. The peace of mind seems worth it even if it is unnecessary.

**myfreeaudi** · 10-27-2016 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Audibot

Crazy Ray's. Could've gone in, popped off the pinch bolt and locking nut, paid probably $1 for the bolt (plus the $2 to get in) and been done.

I should have mentioned that we were in upstate New York so Crazy Ray's was not an option. Even so, my experience with this bolt is that the junkyard version would be difficult to get out and ruin the bolt trying.

**myfreeaudi** · 10-27-2016 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by LA4

Why not just get a new pinch bolt now (you can order online or your local dealer so it won't be a 4-hour trip), pop your wheel off, and throw it in. The bolt you just put in should pop out easily.

Sorry this isn't answering your question, I just don't see the point in having a loose bolt jiggling around in your suspension when you can easily solve the problem for $2. The peace of mind seems worth it even if it is unnecessary.

Okay, I will get the right bolt. Thanks,

John