Wed 4 Apr 2007 18:06 Control Arm Suspension parts for Passat - carlover

Hello, I found this website which sells 2 different types of control arms for vw passats. Problem is there is no mention of European models, only the American vw passats seem to be referenced. Do you know if there is a difference between American Passats & European Passats control arms or would one size fit all? (B5 1.9tdi 90 BHP)? Thanks Mike Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Wed 4 Apr 2007 18:14 CotrolArm Suspension parts for VW Passat - adverse camber

which arms? Is this the one with loads of arms that all cause problems? 2 similar ones at the top, a straight and a curved at the bottom? vagparts do a full kit at a sensible price. Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 5 Apr 2007 11:40 CotrolArm Suspension parts for VW Passat - carlover

Yes these are the ones. I have replaced the bottom ones 3 different times and altogether I have replaced 7 arms (mostly the bottome ones). My brother has an A4 a yr older than my VW but same mileage 156k miles and he has only replaced one arm because he hit a pothole hard. I saw the vagpart's arms alright but I was wondering if the blauparts website's arms were the same as VAGPARTS it seems a better deal with Blauparts (MEYLE/OCAP). Do you know what make the VAGPARTS are? Do you think the american ones would fit? Thanks Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 5 Apr 2007 14:10 CotrolArm Suspension parts for VW Passat - adverse camber

Hi, the vagparts ones are claimed to be genuine Audi/vw - as I understand it they have the low prices because they source them from the usa - hence the delivery timescales they quote. On that basis, and on the basis that the car is the same in both countries I would say fine. just near and off side are the 'wrong' way around. On our A4 I have found that the cheap arms were a mistake - and talking to the local vag specialist they have stopped buying from eurocarparts because although very cheap they had so many fail v.quickly. Im planning on getting rid of the A4 - but guess what - another damned arm starting to go - this one the rubber at the ball joint rather than the bushes or balljoint.. I guess use makes a difference, our is the sport suspension and we have poor quality roads. Motorway miles should be much easier on them. Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 17 Apr 2007 13:14 CotrolArm Suspension parts for VW Passat - carlover

OK thank you for the info. You mentioned that the near & offside are the wrong way around....does this mean that the american parts wont fit or do you mean the design of the passats suspension when they were doing it is the wrong way around and thats why they give up? I looked at pics of the american ones & the vagparts ones and they look the same. What do you think? Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 17 Apr 2007 13:48 CotrolArm Suspension parts for VW Passat - adverse camber

I just meant that uk nearside would be american offside - because they drive on the wrong side of the road. near and off being relative rather than absolute terms, like saying drivers side/passenger side :) I cant remember off hand if any of the arms are the same on both sides, just be carefull if ordering individual arms that you get the one you want. might be worth checking the actual vag part numbers to be certain. Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Tue 17 Apr 2007 15:02 CotrolArm Suspension parts for VW Passat - 659FBE

This suspension is an insane design. It's quite a sight to put the front wheels on swivel plates and watch it working lock to lock - the contortions of the inner bushes have to be seen to be believed. I wonder what the designer had been smoking? I think the later arms had larger ball joints (22 to 27mm dia if I remember correctly) but the ball diameter is difficult to measure under the boot. I have found GSF to be very helpful with "problem" parts - although in the end there is no substitute for good design. 659. Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 26 Apr 2007 12:14 CotrolArm Suspension parts for VW Passat - carlover

"I wonder what the designer had been smoking?" Very strong sweeft aftons id say ;-0 Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 26 Apr 2007 13:06 CotrolArm Suspension parts for VW Passat - Aprilia

I agree that the VAG front suspension is a mad design. Not only that but a pig to repair because the parts corrode and sieze. Good impact sockets and heat may be needed. I would ONLY fit the genuine VAG parts if you are intending to keep the car. Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Thu 26 Apr 2007 13:10 CotrolArm Suspension parts for VW Passat - carlover

I also had a look at some new model A4s and they seem to have control arms as well....The new S5 that is coming out too mentions independent wishbone suspensions....does this mean these too will have these control arms also? If so thats madness! Reply | Report as offensive | Link