Control arm bushes

[le mans]

Ok probably not the most exciting topic in the world, but have a read and see what you think. The RS4 failed it's WOF at VTNZ for supposedly split upper control arm bushes. They showed me and there was some cracking around the rubber. Anyway, I've had new OEM bushes put in but apart from being new they look exactly the same, ie there is cracking around the rubber. I'm fairly pissed off TBH, having just dropped half a grand on this. So which is the correct statement?:

a) It's normal for these suspension bushes to show signs of cracking around the rubber, and it doesn't mean they are unserviceable
b) When installing the new bushes the mechanic didn't load up the suspension before torquing the bolts and they have torn straight away
c) Something else.

I might post a pic if I can get organised. Thoughts?

[VR6]

cracking or split boot. Split as in it will let dirt into the joint

[mark2 golf]

it a bush not a joint i don't think they have boots. is it one or the arms at the top with the ball joint on the end.

[le mans]

it a bush not a joint i don't think they have boots. is it one or the arms at the top with the ball joint on the end.

Yep that's it - upper control arm bushes in front suspension. Car's steering was nice and tight before and is still nice and tight - no clunking noises or anything. So is it normal for these bushes to show signs of cracking even when brand new?

[le mans]

Two of the four bushes that failed the WOF:

[mark2 golf]

i don't think so go back and see your mechanic and see what he says and did he supply the bushes

[5-pot]

Haha yeah my mechanic tried to tell me that.  I bought some new bushes, looked at the ones in the car, and left it.  Took it back 2 days later for a reinspection and he passed it.

[le mans]

Pictures of a couple of the new bushes installed:





As you can see there is already some cracking. Took the car, along with a couple of the old bushes, to Giltraps and they took a look. Their assessment:
- The original old bushes were still serviceable (which is what the specialist who replaced them also told me)
- The new bushes are fine

So be warned, if taking your car to VTNZ for a WOF, there is a very high chance they will fail it based on partial cracking of the control arm bushes. In fact they told me that Audis need them replaced about every 12 months. However I know for a fact that my A4 is still running it's original bushes after more than 110,000 km and is still tight and clunk free up the front (not to say they wont need replacing some time soon) and has never failed a WOF.

One thing worth noting that I wasn't aware of: If VTNZ fail your WOF and you take your car to a specialist who is prepared to put it in writing that the failed item is in fact serviceable, VTNZ will then pass the WOF based on this.

[VR6]

Thats exactly where they crack and split. I have seen them cracked right through at that point. Maybe the picture doesn,t do them any justice but they look stuffed in the last 2 photos. The rubber looks like it has came away. The bushes that came out look fine

[le mans]

Ok, I'll take it back to the original place and get them to put it up on the hoist for a look. I agree they don't look the best, but Giltraps said they were fine. All very confusing.

[veedubman]

Failing that just get nolathane...

[le mans]

Failing that just get nolathane...

Yes, I now wish I'd taken a bit more time to look into something like this. Something a bit stiffer could be just the ticket.

[slowmo]

i better check mine, i sometimes hear clunky noises from the front when braking.

how much are theoem bushes?

where to get nolothane bushes, if they are better?

[RobClubley]

My bushes are Super Pro
http://www.fulcrumsuspensions.com.au/superpro.html

I bought them from http://www.autopassion.co.nz/site/index.html
Little bit firmer but not harsh.

[le mans]

Got the car put up on the hoist today and given a bit of gen. Firstly the bushes, as you see them on the car in the above pics, are pinched a little, which is why they look cracked. When the steering wheel is turned to full lock the arms move and the bushes stretch - that's when you can see they are not cracked. So they are all good. Eventually, with continuous flexing, the bushes will start to crack. They will still function fine until they split pretty much right through or become badly perished.

The bushes failed by VTNZ were comfortably above WOF standard because they were still doing their job, despite being partially split. Both Giltraps and Qualitat are of the same opinion on this. So if your car gets failed on upper control arm bushes during your WOF inspection don't be afraid to get a second opinion from a specialist and get them to put it in writing.