MOT fail :(

**MarkTM** · 10-05-2014,10:57 AM

Actually just on one thing.

Suspension Arm Drivers Side Upper Ball Joint which Audi wanted £190 for, instead ordered one of these yesterday after confirming part no (4E0 407 506B) was correct:

AUDI A6 C6 2004 ON FSI TDi QUATTRO AVANT FRONT UPPER FRONT TRACK CONTROL ARM RH | eBay

My (VW trained) mechanic has said could be a hour or possibly 2 if seized so a max of £70 labour and £100 in total

Halfords wanted £226 for an aftermarket part fitted so less than half the price (used Halfords for the MOT as was free following a windscreen replacement last year)

Did have advisories on play on t'other side & rears as well as corroded rear springs, but will leave those until a little more flush...can't complain if the originals have lasted 7yrs

Will slap some rust protectant on the springs for now and see how they fare.

Was surprised it didn't fail on not EML being present, as need to do the manifold swirl flaps, but had judiciously applied matt black nail varnish to stop it burning a hole in my retina.

Weird that the drivers side suspension arm would fail, as curb mounting would be 99% on the passenger side, also would think that the engine is heavier on the passenger side, since there's a lot more space on the drivers side & that's where the air box is which weighs nothing!

**Guest 2** · 10-05-2014,10:59 AM

Mine hasn't failed one yet

EML isn't a failure btw.

**dan2485** · 10-05-2014,09:40 PM

You really should consider changing both arms at the same time (two on each side) to avoid another failure on the same side.
It will not make any difference to the price unless seized in.
Dan

**MarkTM** · 10-05-2014,09:49 PM

^^^Dan I know but can't afford them all until end of month and have to return car for retest on 23rd.

So will drive for a week with the singleton done and order the rest 1st week June, have them fitted and have the alignment done.

**dan2485** · 10-05-2014,10:03 PM

if your handy with tools and have some then look at YouTube lots of videos on 2004 model same thing as the later models.

Just remove the strut and use an air chisel if the bolt is seized in.

This can be a pig of a job so lots of tea needed if troublesome.

Dan

**MarkTM** · 11-05-2014,06:26 AM

Originally Posted by dan2485

This can be a pig of a job so lots of tea needed if troublesome.
Dan

Dan, I've been spraying the bolt with Plusgas, but from your post am using the wrong stuff!

Certainly don't have an air chisel so will leave to someone with the tools and experience...thanks for the video steer though as even included torque settings.