Lemforder and TRW Suspension Parts

[jfo]

Many of the aftermarket parts retailers offer both Lemforder and TRW. Both are part of the ZF organization (Auto Trans) and are apparently both OEM suppliers to Audi. I've noticed that there can be a significant price difference in control arms, with Lemforder being higher priced.
Does anyone have any knowledge about the quality differences?

[lowestA4]

Yes. Lemforder is Audis OEM supplier for quite a few models. If you buy Lemforder suspension parts through an aftermarket source you'll notice that the original audi partnumbers have been removed mechanically from each part because they sell these parts under their own brand. You'll receive exactly the same part from audi with partnumber on but for a higher price. The price difference between an audi part and a lemforder part is not that significant. Personally I do not have any experience with TRW but just one step below I would reccomend to consider MEYLE parts (also a german brand).

Hope this helps.

[flowhigh]

Parts makers that label themselves as OE"M"s don't necessarily mean that they make the actual part for Audi. I've never seen any control arm in all three platforms with TRW's stamp on them, it's always been Lemforder. If in fact TRW does now make the control arms for Audi then go for it. I'm willing to bet any arm you buy is going to be at least thirty dollars less than Lemforder's.

[jfo]

Yes. Lemforder is Audis OEM supplier for quite a few models. If you buy Lemforder suspension parts through an aftermarket source you'll notice that the original audi partnumbers have been removed mechanically from each part because they sell these parts under their own brand. You'll receive exactly the same part from audi with partnumber on but for a higher price. The price difference between an audi part and a lemforder part is not that significant. Personally I do not have any experience with TRW but just one step below I would reccomend to consider MEYLE parts (also a german brand).

Hope this helps.

I have purchased Lemforder parts before and in North America the price difference compared to Audi is quite significant. The exact engine mount as my original including part number was about 1/3 the Audi price. The only difference was the Audi rings had been ground off the Lemforder.
I used TRW steering parts a number of years ago when they were OEM for Volvo, but have never tried their Audi aftermarket parts. They were acquired by Lemforders' owner ZF about 2015 I think. It's possible TRW makes a different quality item for aftermarket sales. Or they could come out of the same factory with just a different brand....who knows.

I have seen Meyle parts on offer for a number of years but have never tried them. I'm happy to consider a lower price part from a reputable supplier for those items that are easy to replace if it doesn't last.

[flowhigh]

The cheaper arms usually have less/lower quality aluminum and the ball-joint internals is where they like to cut cost.