Suspension bushes and bearings (general refresh)

[Puggie]

I have a tendancy to re-bush all my cars' suspension shortly after buying them, looks like the RS will be no different and at 127k feels like it needs it (I've got a slight knock from somewhere when parking ). Previous owner ran it silly low on airbags, the MOT history is good apart from CV boots being needed very regularly (needs one now). So what is available and what is recommended?

Can you buy the individual bushes to press into the arms? I'd be looking for met-elastics really, not a fan of poly (there main redeeming feature is east of changing once they have worn or warped IMHO), unless people can tell me otherwise, Poly may work better on the heavier car, they were bloody awful on my Integra type R.

What replacement arms are worth having, I've seen full front end kits available at Euros etc.

any other thoughts or advice?

thanks

[Rstoney]

I'll possible be changing my lower arm bushings to Poly ones. I bought a complete set of Meyle HD arms for my RS6 just over a year ago and I've done about 6000 miles and the lower bushes have began to crack. I'm still toying with the idea of putting Genuine Audi arms on and seeing how long they last, but I'm leaning towards using poly bushes and hoping they won't be too 'firm' as it will be cheaper to bang new bushes in my current arms than buying 4 OE ones.
The only company I've come across that does a full poly bush kit is through AK Motorsport, one of the forum sponsors. And they are allegedly 25% firmer than stock I think?

The MEYLE HD kit came in around £450 for the whole lot (inc front drop links) the ball joints are supposed to be heavier duty than stock, although I have only done 6k they are doing fine. Unlike the bushes on them!

[Puggie]

Hardrace may do replacement met-elastic bushes for the arms, these come up when you select the A6 platform:

http://www.hardrace.co.uk/a4-06-a5-07-a ... arden.html

I found their stuff to be excellent on my much lighter hondas.

I thought Meyle and Lemforder was supposed to be pretty good?

[bam_bam]

http://www.hardrace.co.uk/a4-06-a5-07-a ... arden.html

Is it just me or are those for later gen ('06 onwards) A4/A5/A7 only?

[Puggie]

They are, I cross-checked with the US site and the only parts they list for the A6 are rear toe adjusters. UK reseller has been a bit sloppy on their website (which is a shame) as I've found the hardrace stuff good.

I may have to price up OEM bushes as the fronts at least look to all be available.

[Mɐʇʇ]

I'll be interested in what you find as this is something I'd like to do in the future - post the numbers etc here.

[bilko1]

I'll possible be changing my lower arm bushings to Poly ones. I bought a complete set of Meyle HD arms for my RS6 just over a year ago and I've done about 6000 miles and the lower bushes have began to crack. I'm still toying with the idea of putting Genuine Audi arms on and seeing how long they last, but I'm leaning towards using poly bushes and hoping they won't be too 'firm' as it will be cheaper to bang new bushes in my current arms than buying 4 OE ones.
The only company I've come across that does a full poly bush kit is through AK Motorsport, one of the forum sponsors. And they are allegedly 25% firmer than stock I think?

The MEYLE HD kit came in around £450 for the whole lot (inc front drop links) the ball joints are supposed to be heavier duty than stock, although I have only done 6k they are doing fine. Unlike the bushes on them!

Can you not send them back under the 4 year warranty?

[Rstoney]

Thought out doing that, but then there is the downtime involved, so it easier just to bang new bushes in the arms.

[Rstoney]

i thought I found a proper power flex poly bush to replace the lower rear bushes on the front control arms. Turns out I didn't. Does anybody know where you can get them separately?

I think I read a post on here somewhere that the bolt won't come out unless the subframe is dropped an inch or two. Is this the case or have I totally made that up?

I become less and less keen to stick my head under that car everytime something needs doing, even when it's safe on stands, so I may just get a garage to do it if I need to fiddle with subframe bolts.

*edit; is it No.2 in the diagram? Either I'm having a simple weekend or I the diagram is hard to follow?!
https://www.powerflex.co.uk/pdf/create.php?id=2712

[Nobby]

Yep - the frame needs to come down a few weeks inches otherwise the bolts won't come out. I replaced my rear arms last year. You just need to remove the big rear bolt and a few smaller bolts.