Superpro Control Arms: Thoughts?

[S3_Miles]

I switched my OEM S3 control arms out for BFI RS3 solid rubber bushing arms about 3 years ago and only 20k miles ago and they are already cracking/tearing. Thinking of going Polyurethane this time.

I see these and wonder if anyone has installed them and what their thoughts are:

https://www.urotuning.com/products/superpro-lower-control-arm-kit-vw-audi-8v-a3-mk7-golf-alltrack-tiguan-trc1070?variant=37522999410881

[Chaoscreature]

Just my 2cents, but urethane is not the ideal material for that bushing. A spherical bearing is ideal (and what I run in my car). I had made some for my MK6 Jetta, which happens to use the exact same control arms as the 8V A3.
The OEM RS3 bushings are probably the safest bet for durability.

Superpro arms will gain you some camber/caster though.

[S3_Miles]

Just my 2cents, but urethane is not the ideal material for that bushing. A spherical bearing is ideal (and what I run in my car). I had made some for my MK6 Jetta, which happens to use the exact same control arms as the 8V A3.
The OEM RS3 bushings are probably the safest bet for durability.

Superpro arms will gain you some camber/caster though.

This is good info. RE:Spherical Bearing at that point - I thought that some of the engineering of that area was to be stiff as it moves? (like the RS3 is solid, the S3 less so, and an A3 allows even more movement). If I go spherical, there is zero resistance right? In principle I love that you used a spherical at that point as it will most likely outlast the car itself.

I was thinking of going Polyurethane because it seemed like it would have more longevity than the rubber.

For me I am not a caster/camber guy. Stock for me is fine. I am more concerned about if I have to crawl under my car yet again to swap arms, I want something that will be equally stiff but last much longer than these did.

[S3_Miles]

Just my 2cents, but urethane is not the ideal material for that bushing. A spherical bearing is ideal (and what I run in my car). I had made some for my MK6 Jetta, which happens to use the exact same control arms as the 8V A3.
The OEM RS3 bushings are probably the safest bet for durability.

Superpro arms will gain you some camber/caster though.

Just out of curiosity - For the ones you made - do you recall the part number/part for the spherical bearing? I assume you had them press-fit in?

[texasboy21]

I am looking at lower control arms as well, and the price points are all over the map.

OP, have you considered OEM RS3? Should be an OEM+ upgrade over stock S3, and be more reliable than aftermarket.

[MikTip]

FYI RS3 does not have solid bushings from the factory.

Those BFI solid bushings is something they source.

If you buy new RS3 lower control arms and or just the bushings they are exactly like the S3 arms and bushings.

BFI wont reveal their source for the bushings....

I have both.

[Spinnetti]

I got the Whiteline ones and the difference from the added camber and caster is VERY noticeable - around $400 off Amazon. Even though they are aluminum, there is zero weight savings. After both hard experience, then some study do you yourself a favor and don't use poly bushings on anything. They massively increase NVH, they take a set and don't return to shape like rubber, they crumble over time and have nowhere near the longevity of rubber. Higher durometer rubber or spherical joints only for me. Poly became popular for 3 reasons. Its dirt cheap, easy to cast, and comes in pretty colors which makes it look like it should be special. I judge suppliers by their use of poly lol. For instance, 034 has little to none to their credit.

[MikTip]

OEM Audi RS3 control arm bushings...

[S3_Miles]

I am looking at lower control arms as well, and the price points are all over the map.

OP, have you considered OEM RS3? Should be an OEM+ upgrade over stock S3, and be more reliable than aftermarket.

Sounds like what @Miktip is saying is the OEM RS3 is the same

[S3_Miles]

I got the Whiteline ones and the difference from the added camber and caster is VERY noticeable - around $400 off Amazon. Even though they are aluminum, there is zero weight savings. After both hard experience, then some study do you yourself a favor and don't use poly bushings on anything. They massively increase NVH, they take a set and don't return to shape like rubber, they crumble over time and have nowhere near the longevity of rubber. Higher durometer rubber or spherical joints only for me. Poly became popular for 3 reasons. Its dirt cheap, easy to cast, and comes in pretty colors which makes it look like it should be special. I judge suppliers by their use of poly lol. For instance, 034 has little to none to their credit.

Appreciate this feedback. This is usable. Thanks!

- - - Updated - - -

OEM Audi RS3 control arm bushings...

Yep I see what you are saying now. You're right. Looked just like my S3 ones I pulled. I can see the gaps

[texasboy21]

OEM Audi RS3 control arm bushings...

Those do not look like my stock S3 bushings... Mine look like the bushings being compared here: https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/index.../#post-7525081

For me those would be a modest upgrade, but not as rigid as the TTRS bushings with zero void seen here: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...nt/8s0407183b/

TTRS part number: 8S0-407-0183 B

[Cool_Breeze]

Great thread. My oem bushings are getting noisy/worn, and I was about to pull the trigger on superpros since they seemed better than stock and potentially quieter than sphericals. After reading comments here, maybe poly isn’t the way to go. How noisy are sphericals in the front control arms? I have JXB rear trailing arms and they make no noise at all.


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[MikTip]

Those do not look like my stock S3 bushings... Mine look like the bushings being compare here: https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/index.../#post-7525081

For me those would be a mostest upgrade, but not as rigid as the TTRS bushings with zero void seen here: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...nt/8s0407183b/

TTRS part number: 8S0-407-0183 B

Nice find! BFI would not reveal their source for the bushings...now we know!

[texasboy21]

Nice find! BFI would not reveal their source for the bushings...now we know!

Id guess that they are TTRS with no void, but whether its OEM or aftermarket is TBD.

[MikTip]

Id guess that they are TTRS with no void, but whether its OEM or aftermarket is TBD.

I googled the part number 8S0-407-0183 B its OEM.

I found posts on other forums(GTI) that use them too.

[S3_Miles]

Great thread. My oem bushings are getting noisy/worn, and I was about to pull the trigger on superpros since they seemed better than stock and potentially quieter than sphericals. After reading comments here, maybe poly isn’t the way to go. How noisy are sphericals in the front control arms? I have JXB rear trailing arms and they make no noise at all.


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Are Sphericals noisy? I was eye-balling these - https://www.urotuning.com/products/j...rs3-mqb02a0-fk

And whats the diff between FK and Aurora? They mention Aurora as an upgrade but like the diff between wear? I dont track my car, just street driving. I just do not want to have to service them often.

I'd go back to the BFI Solid Rubber Bushing Control Arm if I thought it would last longer than my current set did. Maybe I just slather it in bushing grease to protect it from climate lol. I have a feeling between my 100+ degree summers and 20 degree winter nights, it sped up the breakdown.

Wish I had access to a press.

[Spinnetti]

HF Press is cheap. Buy one, do the job and sell it if you don't have space to keep it, or pay a local shop to press in. That said, the difference between solid bush and getting control arms with more caster/camber is night and day

[Cool_Breeze]

Are Sphericals noisy? I was eye-balling these - https://www.urotuning.com/products/j...rs3-mqb02a0-fk

And whats the diff between FK and Aurora? They mention Aurora as an upgrade but like the diff between wear? I dont track my car, just street driving. I just do not want to have to service them often.

I'd go back to the BFI Solid Rubber Bushing Control Arm if I thought it would last longer than my current set did. Maybe I just slather it in bushing grease to protect it from climate lol. I have a feeling between my 100+ degree summers and 20 degree winter nights, it sped up the breakdown.

Wish I had access to a press.

I've used both FK and Aurora bearings. The Auroras articulate more smoothly and are better quality. However performance in the rear trailing arm location seems the same after 6+ months and 10-ish track days w/the FKs. No noise, no issues. I don't know how/if they'd perform differently in the LCA position. I've heard they introduce more NVH there, but in the rear trailing arms they have not.

[Cool_Breeze]

HF Press is cheap. Buy one, do the job and sell it if you don't have space to keep it, or pay a local shop to press in. That said, the difference between solid bush and getting control arms with more caster/camber is night and day

Seems you can press it out with a press kit. Local Auto stores rent these out for free: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPbL9HTHZg0&t=360s

[FlyboyS4]

I'm using those SuperPro LCAs with my GTI. Happy with them so far, have had them on for about 4 months.

[Gberg888]

034 just made control arms for the car with camber adjustment and stiffer bushings... id look at those!

https://www.034motorsport.com/dynami...d-mqb-evo.html

They look like the best of all of the other arms out there.

No spherical which will just cause issues for a daily and need to be serviced and rebuilt every 5k miles if ur lucky... Camber adjustment... And a solid bushing. They offer them for the RS3 but im not sure if the bushing is actually different than the RS3 bushing. Eitherway its a upgrade just for the camber and a real upgrade for a S3 because u get a better bushing and the camber adjustment.

[Spinnetti]

I would have got those if they had them when I got mine a few months back - I also have their new ball joints too, giving me a total of -3 degrees camber.

[Cool_Breeze]

I would have got those if they had them when I got mine a few months back - I also have their new ball joints too, giving me a total of -3 degrees camber.

How are the ball joints holding up? They seem to be the only option for the RS3.


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[Spinnetti]

I've only had the arms and joints in a couple months now and both are well made OEM quality bits. The handling between stock and the arms/ball joints is dramatic and the feel is very different with huge front end grip (well with 255 200 treadwear tires up front and 235 300 treadwear tires out back). Despite all my mods though, its fantastic on the street (I spun out once on a roundabout!) but still not enjoyable on track. Too much hammer and not enough scalpel.

[Cool_Breeze]

I've only had the arms and joints in a couple months now and both are well made OEM quality bits. The handling between stock and the arms/ball joints is dramatic and the feel is very different with huge front end grip (well with 255 200 treadwear tires up front and 235 300 treadwear tires out back). Despite all my mods though, its fantastic on the street (I spun out once on a roundabout!) but still not enjoyable on track. Too much hammer and not enough scalpel.

I've managed to get the RS3 playful mid-corner on throttle lift. Stiffening the rear and a track alignment bring more life to the chassis...

[Chaoscreature]

Been busy and haven't been on the forums much lately.

I used FK WSSX (wide series, stainless) spherical bearings, specifically the WSSX-12T. I had these same bushings in my tracked Jetta for over 60,000 miles and have had them in my A3 for about 30,000 miles. They are completely noise free, but will wear out eventually as all things do. They sharpen the steering and increase road feedback through the steering wheel. The RS3 bushings are a very good compromise. The OEM A3 bushings allow for a lot of toe change as you corner, making the steering very imprecise.

The bushings do articulate quite a bit from full droop to full compression of the suspension. I just can't image urethane lasting long in this application, whereas the front control arm - front bushing is a perfect application for urethane or even a delrin bushing. To be honest though the front bushing is pretty darn stiff from the factory.



Spherical Bearings:
https://www.fkrodends.com/products/s...series/wssx-t/

I have a pair of these on my workbench, just haven't had time to install them yet:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-whitelin...UaAmxNEALw_wcB

[034Motorsport]

The 034Motorsport Dynamic+ RCO Control Arms are also a great option worth considering.

These utilize our Density Line Rubber Bushings which are going to be a solid filled rubber bushing. These arms add 0.5 degrees of caster and allow for up to 1.2 degrees of increased negative camber adjustment.

They were extreme durability tested across a few of our cars both through heavy track use and through thousands of street miles.

Available Here: https://www.034motorsport.com/dynami...d-mqb-evo.html

Happy to answer any questions about them!

-Sean@034

[Cool_Breeze]

Been busy and haven't been on the forums much lately.

I used FK WSSX (wide series, stainless) spherical bearings, specifically the WSSX-12T. I had these same bushings in my tracked Jetta for over 60,000 miles and have had them in my A3 for about 30,000 miles. They are completely noise free, but will wear out eventually as all things do. They sharpen the steering and increase road feedback through the steering wheel. The RS3 bushings are a very good compromise. The OEM A3 bushings allow for a lot of toe change as you corner, making the steering very imprecise.

The bushings do articulate quite a bit from full droop to full compression of the suspension. I just can't image urethane lasting long in this application, whereas the front control arm - front bushing is a perfect application for urethane or even a delrin bushing. To be honest though the front bushing is pretty darn stiff from the factory.



Spherical Bearings:
https://www.fkrodends.com/products/s...series/wssx-t/

I have a pair of these on my workbench, just haven't had time to install them yet:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-whitelin...UaAmxNEALw_wcB

Beautiful housing, where’d you get them? Great to hear FK’s are quiet after all that time. I’d love to get better feel through the wheel as you mentioned. I was thinking to leave the front ones alone, seem fine. The rear ones are leaky and noisy.


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[Cool_Breeze]

The 034Motorsport Dynamic+ RCO Control Arms are also a great option worth considering.

These utilize our Density Line Rubber Bushings which are going to be a solid filled rubber bushing. These arms add 0.5 degrees of caster and allow for up to 1.2 degrees of increased negative camber adjustment.

They were extreme durability tested across a few of our cars both through heavy track use and through thousands of street miles.

Available Here: https://www.034motorsport.com/dynami...d-mqb-evo.html

Happy to answer any questions about them!

-Sean@034

Hi Sean, seems like a good option. How do the bushings compare to stock RS3, is it possible to buy them separately?


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[Chaoscreature]

Cool Breeze,

I had a pair of TTRS bushings (gave them away to a fellow AudiZiner). If I had not found that my Jetta bushings still worked, I would have installed those. Solid and OEM so they must be at least durable enough to get the TTRS out of warranty.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...nt/8s0407183b/

What's really nice about the adjustable camber control arms like 034 and Whiteline is the ease of camber adjustment when you get an alignment. I have yet to see a top mount camber plate that is alignment tech friendly.