This write-up will highlight the front multi-link Audi Allroad control arm suspension set-up. How to diagnose worn Audi Allroad control arms. Why replacing all your front Audi Allroad control arms at once can save you money in the long run? We will also give you an example of what’s all needed for a complete front multi-link Audi Allroad suspension replacement and some tech tips to help you confirm your Audi Allroad control arms get replaced correctly. Also learn about what makes our Audi Allroad control arms Improved!
About the Front Multi-Link Audi Allroad Control Arm Suspension System
Beginning in 2001 the Audi Allroad models was introduced with a sophisticated multi-link front control arm suspension. The Audi Allroad multi-link suspension is a light weight all aluminum design which offers excellent driving comfort and great performance benefits over other automobiles. Most other cars feature a two a-arm control arm front suspension. The two a-arm control arm front suspension work great for basic function but will lack some performance. The driver and passenger side front Allroad suspension have a total of 8 control arms (each with ball joints and bushings), 2 tie rod assemblies (each with inner and outer joints), and 2 sway bar links. That's a combination of 24 moving hemi ball joints and bushings that make up your unique and complex Audi Allroad suspension. This complex system offers superior suspension geometry for greater vehicle handling, steering input, improved tire contact patch during spirited driving and minimal bump steer or torque steer. The above-mentioned information makes for a better driving car as is often associated with an Audi.
1) Audi Allroad Control Arm Ball Joint and Bushing Suspension System
An Audi Allroad has a sophisticated multi-link front control arm suspension. No doubt, the engineering goal was to create an amazing driving experience for owners. The driver and passenger side front Allroad suspension have a total of 8 control arms
FRONT Audi Allroad Control Arms - 1 Per Side:
- Upper Audi Allroad Control Arms - Forward Position [IMAGE 1 A]
- Upper Audi Allroad Control Arms - Rearmost or Aft Position [IMAGE 1 B]
- Audi Allroad Tie Rod Assemblies (each with outer and inner joints) [IMAGE 1 C]
- Lower Audi Allroad Control Arms - Forward Position [IMAGE 2 D]
- Lower Audi Allroad Control Arms - Rearmost or Aft Position [IMAGE 3 E]
- Audi Allroad Sway Bar Links [IMAGE 3 F]
Upper Audi Allroad Control Arms - IMAGE 1
Both upper Allroad control Allroad control arm's inner bushings are mounted to the shock absorber mounting plate. Also, both upper Allroad control arm's integral ball joints are mounted to the top of the suspension spindle assembly. The tie rod assembly is also mounted to this spindle assembly.
Lower Audi Allroad Control Arms - IMAGE 2 and IMAGE 3
NOTE: Both lower control arms are specific to the Allroad model and differ in design when compared to other multi-link Audi control arms (i.e. Audi A6 models). The Audi Allroad came equipped with a pneumatic adjustable air suspension system; therefore, the lower control arms are designed longer to accommodate the highest and lowest air suspension settings. They also have a specific ball joint taper design.
Even though the front Audi Allroad multi-link control arm suspension offers great benefits, it also does have some hinderances. Obviously, more control arms mean more control arms and cost for replacement. The front Audi Allroad struts are mounted directly to the lower forward control arms which amplifies direct road vibration and can amplify or accelerate control arm wear. Each control arm features an integral Audi Allroad control arm ball joint casted into each control arm. This makes a simple ball joint replacement impossible. Requiring you to replace the entire control arm unit when dealing with a loose ball joint. A significant amount of weight rests on each control arm and ball joint. Such significant dynamic loads can lead to eventual control arm failure. Also, excessive lateral loads stress the lower aft and upper control arm ball joints and control arm bushings resulting in suspension noises and squeaks. Too, due to the force of gravity, the lubricant in the control arm ball joint flows from the upper side of the ball joint downwards into the sealing ring. This loss of lubrication around the entire ball joint area leads to wear and eventual failure of the integral Audi Allroad control arm ball joint. Most Audi Allroad owners become aware of this by the front suspension squeaking noises and mild knocking.
The REAR Allroad suspension is less complicated in design with upper and lower A-arms and a toe arm assembly. The rear Allroad control arms are not addressed on this page.
2) Allroad Shocks and Pneumatic Adjustable Air Suspension System
The Audi Allroad air suspension system consists of air bags that surround the shock absorbers instead of conventional coil springs. The adjustable Allroad air bag compression is managed by a control module and air compressor that are delivered via air lines. This type of Audi Allroad suspension set-up allows for variable suspension feel and height. Search our website to find a variety of information about the Audi Allroad Airbag.
Diagnosing Worn Audi Allroad Control Arms
Are you getting Audi Allroad control arm or suspension noises? When an Audi Allroad control arm is worn, most owners notice a suspension rattle, clunking, or creaking noise. These creaking noises usually increase when turning in and out of parking lots or driveways. When the control arm bushings have failed, some may even hear a suspension clunk during heavy braking.
Clunks are often due to control arm bushing failure and squeaks are often caused by the control arm ball joints.
Audi Allroad owners who use their air suspension regularly have reported shorter control arm lifespan. The increased loads caused by the constant rising and lowering of the suspension puts additional loads as well as torsional or rotational stresses on the inner control arm bushings and ball joints.
The Importance of Correct Allroad Control Arm Repair and Installation
It's often a difficult task to diagnose specific front Allroad suspension problems even for the most experienced mechanics. Why? With 8 control arms (each with ball joints and bushings), 2 tie rod assemblies (each with inner and outer joints), and 2 sway bar links there is a combination of 24 moving hemi ball joints and bushings that make up this unique and complex Audi Allroad suspension.
Unsure how to install Audi Allroad control arms or bushing? Curious as to how long it takes to replace them? Review our basic overview on How to replace and install multi-link Audi control arms.
It's important to choose an ASE Certified Audi mechanic that's familiar with the complexity of your specific Allroad front suspensions. Why? Time. Troubleshooting Audi Allroad control arm noise is often a tedious process of elimination. Automotive technicians who work on these multi-link Audi suspensions on a daily basis are properly equipped to diagnose and perform repair correctly and in the optimal amount of time.
An experienced mechanic will closely check all Allroad control arms and related components. Aged or ripped inner control arm bushings can usually be confirmed by visual inspection. However, the squeaks caused by control arm ball joints are much more difficult to pinpoint. Special tools are often used to apply pressure to specific areas to help find any play in the Audi Allroad control arm ball joints. The ball joint boot often hides the breakdown and depletion of the interior ball joint grease, that over time deteriorates and loses its lubricating abilities.
Proper Audi Allroad Control Arm Replacement
Unfortunately, some customers have reported horror stories when choosing a shop that wasn't qualified to repair these complex suspensions. It is imperative that the proper procedures and tools be used when disassembling and assembly Audi Allroad control arms.
For instance, when popping out the lower ball joints, special ball joint puller tool #3287A is required.
[IMAGE Above Right]
Most shops don't have this tool and make the disastrous decision to use a ball joint fork.
[IMAGE Above Right]
A ball joint fork should never be used to remove the ball joint shaft from its tapered mounted spindle. Using this incorrect tool almost always results in the ripping of the ball joint boot, which allows for road grime and dirt to enter and destroy the joint. Improper and uneven pressure and leverage causes unseen damage to the internal ball joint area as well.
[IMAGE Right]
These costly mistakes and the resulting damage usually aren't noticed until after reassembly and several months of driving. Save on future repair costs and headaches, by having an ASE Certified Audi mechanic who is familiar with these complex systems, using the proper procedures to replace your Audi Allroad control arms.
BLAU® Audi Allroad Control Arms
Off Road, Street, and Racetrack Tested
The goal of BLAU control arm development was to confirm reliability through extensive and rigorous vehicle testing on the street, off road, and racetrack. In conjunction with our BLAU® Allroad shock absorber suspension system development, we performed extensive and extreme sessions of racetrack testing at Road America USA. For more information regarding our Allroad testing see our Audi Allroad Airbag Suspension page.
Under extreme race conditions the vehicle is in a continuous state of pitch, role, and yaw (cornering, braking, accelerating) at maximum speeds. The oscillating axial and radial loads transferred onto suspension components is further amplified in dynamic racetrack conditions. The physics of a 4,167 lb. Allroad approaching corners at over 120 MPH, last minute heavy braking, engagement of the anti-lock brake system, followed by throttle steering through 180° carousel turns, lap-after-lap, induces a magnitude of load strains onto suspension components that are classified as "extreme stress testing." We also performed cross county and rough off-road testing. All of this rigorous and extensive vehicle testing proved successful with zero failures recorded, confirming the high-quality design expectations of the control arms included in our BLAU® Allroad control arm kit.
Improved Audi Allroad Control Arms?
Allroad Control Arm Bushings
High density urethane rubber bushings passed extreme damping and oscillating tests along with axial and radial stress loads.
Allroad Control Arm Ball Joint & Grease
Quality ball joint construction passed extreme torque loads and stressful oscillating axial and radial loads showing no play after extreme testing conditions. Exclusive proprietary grease for maximum lubrication which minimizes friction for extended joint life.
Allroad Control Arm Casting Material
Industry leading corrosion resistant alloys. High strength alloys passed extreme axial and radial load stress testing. Corrosion resistance and high strength.
Allroad Control Arm and Dust Boot
High quality Neoprene rubber boot for extended life without drying out or cracking.
Blauparts Limited Lifetime Warranty
Discriminating Allroad car owners want control arms that last. Blauparts® carries control arms that have been manufactured by OEM quality TUV/ISO 9001/TS16949 certified manufacturers. We are confident that our customers will be pleased with the quality and durability of our complete BLAU® Allroad control arm kits. BLAU® front Audi Allroad control arm kits come with our limited lifetime warranty along with a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.
Front Audi Allroad Control Arm and Suspension Component List Example
Upper Audi Allroad Control Arms
- Audi Allroad Control Arm - Upper DS - 8E0 407 505A
- Audi Allroad Control Arm - Upper PS - 8E0 407 506A
- Audi Allroad Control Arm - Upper Rear DS - 8E0 407 509A
- Audi Allroad Control Arm - Upper Rear PS - 8E0 407 510A
Lower Audi Allroad Control Arms
- Audi Allroad Control Arm - Lower DS & PS - 4Z7 407 151
- Audi Allroad Control Arm - Lower Rear DS - 4Z7 407 693D
- Audi Allroad Control Arm - Lower Rear PS - 4Z7 407 694D
Other Audi Allroad Suspension Parts
- Audi Allroad Sway Bar Link - DS & PS - 4D0 411 317K
- Audi Allroad Tie Rod Ends Outer - DS & PS - 8E0 419 811B
- Plus, All Necessary Installation Hardware
(Note: The above part numbers are subject to change due to OE part number supersession updates.)
Why You Should Consider Replacing All Your Audi Allroad Control Arms at Once
Do you have a loose Audi Allroad control arm, ball joint, or suspension rattle? Does your Audi Allroad front suspension clunk every time you hit a pothole? You may need to replace your Audi Allroad control arms and control arm bushings. Replacing Audi Allroad control arms one by one can cost a lot of money. You'll save big on installation costs when replacing all your Audi Allroad control arms at once. If some of the control arms are on their way out, the others aren't far behind. You're better off getting the job done right the first time.
Save hundreds of dollars by replacing all your Audi Allroad control arms, tie rod ends, sway bar links, and hardware with our convenient updated kit! In the event of an Audi Allroad control arm failure, look to the nation's leading Audi Allroad control arm specialist for the solution!