Replace front suspension arm bushes

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apache24uk

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Apparently its time to replace the upper front suspension arm bushes

Got my car in with Audi for some work and they sent me an Audi cam video saying that my "upper front suspension arm bushes" are perished and need replacing.

Don't think that I'll be getting Audi to do it as it will probably cost me a small fortune.

Roughly how much would it cost for an independant do this kind of job, using genuine parts?
 
Here are couple of pics from the video

Upload 2018 3 27 11 33 0


Upload 2018 3 27 11 33 8
 
I've got the same job coming up on mine. Can't give you an idea price wise unfortunately but I know it is a absolute pain in the *** of a job. the pinch bolt is legendary for being a nightmare to get undone
 
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If the ball joints are still good, leave them on the car and just undo the bolts in the bush's and swing the arm round to give you access to the bush. Then either replace with original which will require them to be pressed in or poly bush them

Sent from my PRA-LX1 using Tapatalk
 
apache24uk said:
Are powerflex bushes any good? What would be the benefits be for using them?
Click to expand...
Used them in many cars over the years. Basically they are stiffer than the rubber bushes so you get a much tighter feel. Last longer than rubber as well

Sent from my PRA-LX1 using Tapatalk
 
I’ve replaced every bushing on my front end with power flex bushes. 2 of the bottom arm bushes have split twice in very few miles, they’ve changed the design/construction of the bushing now so I’m due to get them replaced under warranty again next time I’m in. Other than that I’d say they’ve tightened the front end up a little as my car only has 40 odd thousand on. If you have high miles on yours I’d say the difference they make will be massive. I haven’t felt any extra nvh with them either and will be replacing all the rears some time soon.
 
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My front bushes are starting to spilt on my 86k mile 2008 S5. I have felt a slight knocking when driving over pot holes or lumps, so I’m looking forward to a smoother ride in the future.

My usual indie Audi specialist garage, says they don’t replace just the bushes, but the hole link arms (something about the bushes not going back in the same). The main dealer says that they can do this but charge a lot for Labour. The indie will also check the ball joints and I’ve also asked for a quote for the anti-roll bar bushes to be replaced.

My question is: Are there ever any fitting issues with linkage bushes?

what’s the deal with the rear? The indie said there’s nothing to change at that end. I’d rather do everything at once if I can.
 
I don't see the fascination to replace with the bushes. The other end with the balljoint is probably on the way out too. As mentioned, the pinchbolt on the strut is the subject of much discussion, and yes is a pain to remove. Liberally soak with PB Blaster at least a week before attempting DIY job. Arms, then Meyle HD (4 year warranty) and Lemforder (basically OE) are the way to go. Do not fit anything else. The job is labour intensive, so cheap EBay kit will start to knock in less than 6 months. Only tighten top arms once the car is on the ground or you'll stress the bushes. The lower front arms can go too, but over 100k miles. If you plan to keep the car say another 2 years, then yes replace them at the same time and the ARB links.

On the rear, then ARB links are worth changing.

Do full tracking alignment afterwards.
 
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spartacus68 said:
I don't see the fascination to replace with the bushes. The other end with the balljoint is probably on the way out too. As mentioned, the pinchbolt on the strut is the subject of much discussion, and yes is a pain to remove. Liberally soak with PB Blaster at least a week before attempting DIY job. Arms, then Meyle HD (4 year warranty) and Lemforder (basically OE) are the way to go. Do not fit anything else. The job is labour intensive, so cheap EBay kit will start to knock in less than 6 months. Only tighten top arms once the car is on the ground or you'll stress the bushes. The lower front arms can go too, but over 100k miles. If you plan to keep the car say another 2 years, then yes replace them at the same time and the ARB links.

On the rear, then ARB links are worth changing.

Do full tracking alignment afterwards.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info. I intend to keep the car for at least another 3 years, so will take the hit and look to get everything done at once.
 
I've just had a qoute for lower arm brushes as failed mot as split not mechanically minded and just wanted to no if 720 pounds is excessive for both sudes
 
Is that the front lower rear arms? I paid a similar price at an independent for both sides changed using Lemforder parts.
 
JohnS3 said:
Is that the front lower rear arms? I paid a similar price at an independent for both sides changed using Lemforder parts.
Click to expand...
Yes both arms have split this is the price from dealer just wanted to see if it was correct thanks for your reply most appreciated
 
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