Hey Guys. I'm going to be swapping my front control arms (all 8 eight) and the tie rods. It should be an interesting job. Anybody out there that has done this already, what is your advice? (1999 A4 2.8L V6)

-What tools should I prep to have? Where can I get the ball joint separator tool (I found one on ebay I was going to order, any local car parts store carry that or a similar tool that would work) Any other special tools required?
-What about the pinch bolt everyone has trouble with? I was going to PB the hell out of it 3 days prior the project. Any other suggestions? I do not have an air hammer, what could I substitute that if I have troubles with the pinch bolt (connector bolt for upper control arms)?
-Any other advice?
Thanks Everyone

 

it should be pretty straight forward except for thepinch bolt and the lower control arm nuts. PB the crap outa everything like u said. hopefully it goes well. a breaker bar will help with the operation. and u don't need a ball joint separator tool as ur gonna be replacing the whole arm. ur also gonna replace the sway bar link right? that's the c clamp looking thing on one of the lower arms

 

+1 on the ball joint seperator, when i did my CA it was a bi1ch getting the ball joint out, eventaully i said F it and pry bar and flat screw drivered them out.

 

What about the wirte up on AudiWorld (http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel43.shtml). It recommends using a ball joint seperator? Also say, if my Front Right Lower-rear control arm is going out, could that cause a pull to a right on my car and also a clunking noise?

Thanks.

 

Did you use any other special tools other than the stardard tools?

thanks

 

i just did it over the weekend pain in the as$, i only used standard tools its pretty simple just a pain gettin it all back together in the right placement and lining crap up but other than that u should be able to handle it goodluck if u have questions feel free to ask ill help in ne way