[Bhoywonder]

I'm in the process of replacing both upper and lower rear control arms for adjustable ones, I went for Project Silver, and it has been that long since I removed the old ones I can't remember the directions of the bolts. Does it matter what way you put them as long as you tighten them to the right torque(70Nm+ a 1/4 turn). It's just in the back of my mind I recall reading somewhere about having them going in opposite directions but I can't remember where I read it. Also I've gone for Powerflex bushes on the inside of the arms and they went in a breeze but on the outer I'm really struggling to get the U-shaped end of the arm over the Strongflex hub bushes,the bracket of the arm could do with being a couple of millimetres bigger,any tips? Cheers in advance.

 

[Hoggy]

Hi, Bentley shows top arm bolt heads face rear, lower arm bolt heads face the front.
Hoggy.

 

[Cow Shed Dave]

With regards to bolt direction, being old school. I've always put nuts at the rear. The theory being less chance of debris damaging the exposed thread.
The front strut pinch bolt was on mine facing the front, when I replaced it I could see no logical reason for having it so, and fitted it the other way round.
If there is a reason for fitting it the other way, I'd like it explained, and just because it came from the factory like it, doesn't wash. If it saved a few seconds or was easier for whatever assembled it, might be justified when building thousands of cars, but for a one off job.........

Dave

 

[Bhoywonder]

Hi, Bentley shows top arm bolt heads face rear, lower arm bolt heads face the front.
Hoggy.

So the nut goes on the "front" on the uppers and on the "back" of the lowers ? Cheers

 

[Hoggy]

So the nut goes on the "front" on the uppers and on the "back" of the lowers ? Cheers

Hi, Yes that's how it is on Bentley.
Hoggy.

 

[Bhoywonder]

Hi, Yes that's how it is on Bentley.
Hoggy.

Thanks Hoggy, I'll have to get a Bentley Bible but they're so dear !

 

[droopsnoot]

If there is a reason for fitting it the other way, I'd like it explained, and just because it came from the factory like it, doesn't wash.

The manual I read when I did mine does say that the bolts must be put back in the same direction that they were originally, so it must matter, but it doesn't explain why.

I forgot when I did mine, so on one side of the car they're both facing the same way and it hasn't had any noticeable effect. When I replace the rose joints I'll put them back the "correct" way, but I'm not removing one just to do that.

 

[davebowk]

Mine went in all the same way.
The only time it would matter if is the centre turned and undid them, but as it states top one way and the bottom the other way it can't be for that reason.

 

[BrianB]

From the Audi workshop manual

 

[Hoggy]

From the Audi workshop manual

Hi, SNAP
Hoggy.

 

[Bhoywonder]

Hi, SNAP
Hoggy.

Is that not different to what you said was in Bentley's? In that schematic they are one either way on each arm.

 

[davebowk]

From the Audi workshop manual
View attachment 524573

They are only shown like that because of the space available on the illustration.
There is no mechanical or engineering reason for it.

 

[Hoggy]

Is that not different to what you said was in Bentley's? In that schematic they are one either way on each arm.

Hi, No.
Hoggy.

 

[BrianB]

Some further information from the Audi manual.

 

[Hoggy]

Some further information from the Audi manual.

Hi, No difference to what I replied.
Good night
Hoggy.