Has Anyone Used Hemi-Joints instead of Ball-Joints on Control Arms?

[snoopra]

I've been searching the net for days for answers about these Hemi Joints. The only discussions I've found were on ATV's, some say they're noisy, some say they're not, some say they're feel firmer. Can anyone give some input on these? I saw some control arms on Ebay with ball joints replaced by hemi joints so I need info on the quality/longevity. Thanks

[V8weight]

034 Motorsport offers kits or complete control arms to convert the front lower control arms into heim joints. I know that Hahnmgh63 installed them on his car, but I don't recall him ever checking back in to give us his impressions.

[hahnmgh63]

On the C5 it is the control arm bushings not the ball joints that wear out. The 034 kit replaces all of the lower rubber bushings with Spherical bushings http://www.034motorsport.com/chassis-components-audi-a4s4-spherical-control-arm-kit-b5-c5-p-18307.html I think they are great, the steering turn in is noticeable more precise and they should outlast the rubber bushings. I have about 3K~4K on them so far and they aren't noisy or clunking. They aren't cheap at $695 (don't be misled by the 034 ad, the $695 is just for the 6 lower bushings, not for the control arms themselves). I had 034 install them in a new set of Febi arms that I already had. If I had planned ahead I would have just bought the arms and bushings from 034 and would have done their Density line of upper control arms as they claim the bushings are a stiffer/harder rubber than stock. Usually the upper rear control arm is the first to go so theirs may last longer than OEM. The ride doesn't seem to have changed. I do have KW V3's all the way around and have them adjusted stiffer than stock DRC as well as about 1.5" lower all the way around. If I have any problems with them I'll be sure to let the list know but so far I'm happy with them.

[snoopra]

I should've mentioned the arms I'm looking at are the upper front, with OEM style bushings. Just the ball joints are hemi joints.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DNA-2003-04-AUDI-RS6-SUSPENSION-FRONT-UPPER-CONTROL-ARM-/180447972753?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a03898d91#ht_3182wt_939

[hahnmgh63]

They seem to be a reputable company. http://www.dnamotoring.com/new_web/main_page.php The OEM ball joints are not known to wear quickly, just the OEM rubber bushings. I don't believe their claim of a 3lbs savings as they claim that for all of the control arms whether upper or lower, front or rear. If you cut 3lbs off the upper arms you would be left with toothpicks. Remember, the OEM arms are aluminum already and known to be strong. The OEM bushings wear out but the arms themselves don't break and the balljoints don't wear out. The DNA parts look fine and their prices are inline with OEM discount prices. I wonder how the rubber material is in there bushings, it can't be worse than OEM. I'm curious who actually makes the control arms for them, I'm pretty sure they import them from somewhere.

[snoopra]

I was concerned with the OEM looking bushing also. Might just pass on it for now. I was looking on 034 Motorsport last night and came across a full set of control arms (top/btm) for $450, is that correct? I may just get the full set and have the bushings replaced/upgraded on the old set.

[hahnmgh63]

I see there Density line set listed at $375. http://www.034motorsport.com/chassis-components-audi-a4s4-control-arm-kit-density-line-oe-b5-c5-p-13856.html

[snoopra]

I see there Density line set listed at $375. http://www.034motorsport.com/chassis-components-audi-a4s4-control-arm-kit-density-line-oe-b5-c5-p-13856.html
Plus $50 for RS 6 lower control arms(or cars w/aluminum uprights) and $30 for hardware kit.