Front suspension control links

[aikihook]

I've noticed a bit of knocking under load on high speed left-hand cornering - coming from the driver side. The tie rod ends look shot so was going to change these anyway. But I thought I would treat myself to a full front link rebuild with all new parts.

VagParts do a kit but want £398 (or $781 USD) - seems expesnisve!
https://sslrelay.com/s74326199.oneandon ... shopscript

However I found these alternatives from Blauparts; that are cheaper and include Meyle improved tie rod ends.
There are 2 kits for the S4: 2000 (MA1105-02-1A) at $495 USD and 2000-2002 (M1A1106-02-1A) at $595 USD - made by an Italian company called Ocap.

http://www.blauparts.com/audi/audi_cont ... _kit.shtml

The kits look very good quality and I think I need the later set - but I am a bit confused on the VIN numbers they quote:

2000 up to Vin 080000
2000-2002 starting with Vin 080001

My car is a 2000, VIN number ends in A104934 - so are these numbers the same as our European system?

[dubwhizz]

i work to a rule, which is never put italian parts on a german car.

reason being i know a few people whove worked for GSF and they've always said german parts are better.

if sommat has the TUV stamp you know its been tested.

dunno what the RS246 boys think of that rule though?

Matt

[aikihook]

They claim:

"Ocap is a renowned high quality Italian company that specializes specifically in the area of steering and suspension parts. We've used these Ocap kits in our own service facility and have had great results. Not much is know about Ocap in the Audi S4 Vw realm because their replacement suspension parts are used more on Mercedes, Volvo, and BMW models. However, they are the OEM supplier for Maserati and Lamborghini. They are a TÃœV and ISO 9001 certified company. This is one of the most important certifying bodies in Europe. Ocap has also achieved two more important ISO 14001 and ISO/TS 16949 quality certifications. "

[Siena]

Good enough for me.

[S4]

They claim:

"Ocap is a renowned high quality Italian company that specializes specifically in the area of steering and suspension parts. We've used these Ocap kits in our own service facility and have had great results. Not much is know about Ocap in the Audi S4 Vw realm because their replacement suspension parts are used more on Mercedes, Volvo, and BMW models. However, they are the OEM supplier for Maserati and Lamborghini. They are a TÃœV and ISO 9001 certified company. This is one of the most important certifying bodies in Europe. Ocap has also achieved two more important ISO 14001 and ISO/TS 16949 quality certifications. "

so you are sold on the kit......did you work out the vin issues, and purchase it?

Darren

[aikihook]

I really like the look of the kit - especially as it contains these improved tie rod ends:
http://www.blauparts.com/audi/audi_tie_ ... ends.shtml

I'm going to purchase it, might take a change on the later kit - I'd still like to verify the VIN
- was hoping someone on the forum would know?

I'll try and email them - if I can find contact details on the blauparts web.

[smurfbus]

IIRC those HD Meyles are a bit of a POS pieces. Mine went in two years and about 20tkm and others have had problems too. Its the ball joint that goes bad not the bigger dia arm.

If your going to buy them from states try purems and their lemfoeder set.