H&R/Bilstein B8 & Control Arms?

[Hayk]

Hello,

I have the Bilstein B8 shocks and H&R setup that many run in this forum. While I love the 1.8 inch drop and wouldn't want to go any lower, I'm wondering if changing from stock to this setup damages the suspension at all?

For example, back when I used to take my car to Audi (previous owner had AudiCare prepaid) they found upper passenger/driver side control arms with joint protective boots damaged (screenshot below). Could this be due to swapping the suspension?

Recommendations on whether I need to worry about this? I'm at 75k miles now, this issue was diagnosed around 60k miles. Currently exploring whether the Millenium Automotive Protection Platinum plan they sold me covers this or not. I believe it does cover it but will they give me a hard time due to swapped suspension?

Thanks!


Audi.jpg

[Hayk]

Bump

[Aforeign]

2015 SQ5 w/65k miles. I too have that setup (H&R sports /B8 Bilsteins). I replaced those items BEFORE (~60k) swapping the stock suspension.
Seems to be a common issue as these cars age.
Edit - Re-read your post. I replaced the ball joints, not the control arms. Had the entire suspension checked last week by local Audi tuner and gave it a clean bill of health.

[Whinny SQ5]

I've had the H&R springs and B8 shocks for over 3 years on the SQ5 and S5. Neither of them have had torn ball joint boots. We did replace the control arms about a year a half ago due to the bushings being too worn for my liking. They weren't producing any noise and the steering was still decently tight. But that happens even on stock suspension. I would check your fender liners. They could be sagging a bit and hitting your ball joint boots under suspension travel.

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[stevolee]

I've had the H&R springs and B8 shocks for over 3 years on the SQ5 and S5. Neither of them have had torn ball joint boots. We did replace the control arms about a year a half ago due to the bushings being too worn for my liking. They weren't producing any noise and the steering was still decently tight. But that happens even on stock suspension. I would check your fender liners. They could be sagging a bit and hitting your ball joint boots under suspension travel.

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How do you like the ride vs stock? I'm thinking either H&R springs with the B8 or maybe the 034 springs with stock shocks.

[Jsalicru]

That could be caused by a technician that used a pry bar to remove the ball joints

[Whinny SQ5]

How do you like the ride vs stock? I'm thinking either H&R springs with the B8 or maybe the 034 springs with stock shocks.

Somehow the ride feels smoother over small bumps than oem. Definitely harsher over bigger bumps. Body roll is significantly reduced and the car feels more responsive. I really do like the setup. It gives you a nice stance without sacrificing much in terms of ride or your wallet.

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[Hayk]

That could be caused by a technician that used a pry bar to remove the ball joints

yeah I've had multiple techs tell me the same thing, damaged during install. Wasn't covered due to non-OEM suspension either.