Overview - Lower Control Arm And Ball Joint

If the components of the front axle (axle components and/or wheel rim) are replaced if damaged, the tightening specifications on the following threaded connections must be checked, when these threaded connections are not replaced during the repair procedure.

• Testing torque 80 Nm for nut -item  : Nut and ball joint -item  : Ball Joint.

Until the testing torque is reached in the tightening direction turning of the connection is not permitted.

Fig 1: Exploded View Of Lower Control Arm And Ball Joint

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

1. Wheel Bearing Housing
   • Overview. Refer to OVERVIEW - WHEEL BEARING .
2. Nut
   • 60 Nm
   • Replace after removing
3. Lower Control Arm
   • Removing and Installing. Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
   • If the control arm is bent and must be replaced, also replace the ball joint on this side of the vehicle
4. Ball Joint
   • If the control arm is bent and must be replaced, replace the corresponding control arm
   • Removing and Installing. Refer to BALL JOINT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
5. Nuts
   • 40 Nm +45°
   • Replace after removing
6. Stone Chip Protection/Air Duct
   • Installed depending on vehicle equipment. Refer to the Parts Information.
   • Remove the stone chip protection. Refer to Fig 2.
   • Remove the air duct. Refer to Fig 3.
7. Expanding Rivets
8. Front Bonded Rubber Bushing
   • Replacing. Refer to FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BONDED RUBBER BUSHING, REPLACING .
   • Note the installation position. Refer to Fig 4.
9. Bolt
   • 70 Nm + 180°
   • Replace after removing
   • Tighten the threaded connections in curb weight position. Refer to WHEEL BEARING IN CURB WEIGHT POSITION, LIFTING VEHICLES WITH COIL SPRING .
10. Bolt
    • 70 Nm + 180°
    • Replace after removing
11. Rear Bonded Rubber Bushing
    • Allocation. Refer to the Parts Information.
    • Replacing. Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BONDED RUBBER BUSHING, REPLACING .
    • Note the installation position. Refer to Fig 5.
    • Grease after pressing in. Refer to Bonded Rubber Bushing, Lubricating: .
12. Nut
    • Replace after removing
13. Subframe
    • Overview. Refer to OVERVIEW - SUBFRAME .

Remove the Stone Chip Protection 

Fig 2: Remove the Stone Chip Protection

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Push the pin -arrows- upward and remove the expanding rivets -2- and stone chip protection -1-.

Air Duct, Removing 

Fig 3: Air Duct - Installation Position

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Equipped on some models: cut the cable tie -arrows- and remove the air duct -2- from the control arm.

Installation Position for the Front Bonded Rubber Bushing 

Fig 4: Installation Position for the Front Bonded Rubber Bushing -1-

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Align the bonded rubber bushing -1- with the control arm -2-.

• The grooves -3- must point as shown to the control arm.

Installation Location of Rear Bonded Rubber Bushing 

Fig 5: Installation Location of Rear Bonded Rubber Bushing

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

• The stamped >>arrow<< points to the marking -arrow A- in the transverse link.
• The cam -arrow B- must point to the outside of the vehicle.
• The open kidney-shape points to the vehicle center.