DIY: Replace Upper Control Arms - easy way

[Audi-RS6]

Hello everyone,

Someone had a post on how to replace upper control arms on our cars. So here is some help w/pictures. I had gray gloves, they point on some areas in the pictures, hard to notice, but they do the work.

Start from lifting both sides together. Why? Swaybars wont let you drop the shocks.

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0067.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0069.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0070.JPG

Remove plastic cover

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0071.JPG

You need to remove three upper bolts and one long bolt, then start working on control arm bolts and nuts.
There is not enough space to remove right control arm bolt, so when you remove upper ones you'll be able to move strut to the left.

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0073.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0074.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0075.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0076.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0078.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0079.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0080.JPG

Now strut should go down. If not - help him.

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0081.JPG

Thats the tricky bolt. Turn or move with smth shock cup to the left.

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0083.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0084.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0085.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0086.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0087.JPG

Here is the new arm installed.

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0088.JPG

Removing left arm...

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0089.JPG

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0090.JPG

Here is new one installed.

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0091.JPG

Now use some oil or WD-40 to place arms back on main bolt...

http://wheelsgallery.com/upload/rs6/upper_c_arms/IMGP0092.JPG

Job is done.

Should take 25-30 min per side.

Thank you all.

[snoopra]

You're missing the pic for the third top bolt:) Also, BEFORE tightening the control arm bolts it's recommended to have the shock at static or normal ride height to prevent premature bushing wear/failure.

[Jimmy]

Thanks for the great write-up ! Sticky please admin.

[Vdub]

AND, you may NOT use a air hammer to loosen or tighten the bolt in the 2-arm holder with this ALU construction, the normal Passat-A4-A6 is a steel/iron construction, you may use/need one.

[Dmb408]

I wish the pictures still worked on this thread.

[RSoverAll]

I wonder if Erik can fix the pic issue...

[Erik]

I wonder if Erik can fix the pic issue...


I cannot, all the Pictures were uploaded to http://wheelsgallery.com which I don't control.

If someone have the pics they can be uploaded here.

[SensoRS6]

I need to change out my lower control arms and would love the pics!