So I just got the news from my mechanic that my upper control arm bushings and ball joints are shot on my 2001 A4 Quattro 2.8. I have looked at a few of the DIY write ups and it seems manageable to do the install myself. I do have a couple of questions though.

1. What kit is everyone using with good success? It seems like the OEM stuff is not much better than some of the stuff on ebay. Anyone have a good seller who you got a good kit from at a decent price?

2. It seems like all the DIY articles reference torquing the bolts down with the suspension loaded. How does everyone do this? Do you just jack the front end up until it is the same height as it was when resting on the ground?

Any tips or advice for this install would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

1. FCP Groton, google it, best bang for your buck

2. Yes, with the car on jack stands, use a jack to raise (compress) the suspension to the same height as if everything was put together, wheels on, and on the ground.

Overall, it can be a real pain in the ***, but go slow and have patience. I did mine a year ago, and the TRE gave me a hard time. I ended up having to pull the entire tire rod out, which wasn't too difficult, to get the TRE out.

Once your done with everything, don't forget an alignment. Happy Wrenching

 

I looked at that sight and it seems to have some great options. There appear to be 3 different kits I can use: the Meyle, the Aftermarket, and the S4 upgrade kit. What are the differences? Thanks

 

The FCP Groton kit no 3 with the upgraded S4 tie rod ends is the way to go. The tie rod ends in that kit are metal instead of rubber and are supposed to be more durable.

Here's a link to my recent DIY for this job. If I can do it, trust me, anyone can.

 

I installed the FCP groton kit with S4 upgrades, so far so good. For the correct suspension height I just measured the center of the wheel to the top edge of the fender with the car on the ground. Then with the wheel off and the car off the ground I jacked up the up to the previous measurement from the middle of the hub.

 

Thanks!