Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu*k, I think u r bloody right

As well as the crack, the bushes appear shot too. If there is that much surface cracking then the rubber has lost all its flexibility.

Might also be worth checking the track rod ends, I had them replaced on the D2 due to strange sounds when turning which was originally put down to the steering. They looked fine from the outside but the ball joints had seen better days.

The originals are TRW, and the aftermarket ones have the part number cast, but the VW/Audi logo ground off.

Not sure if it's cracked or just a sharp shadow caused by the flash, but worth checking.

The bushes are definitely shot though :)

Great stuff guys.
And will check that crack shortly as its very interesting.

I'll go for TRW then

One question which still does bother me. Have you listen the sound guys? If yes, is that sort of sound you would expect from bushes when they are cracked as mine BUT ONLY when they get hot?????

Is thats what I need??
http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/susp...61JTC1139.html

http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/susp...61JTC1138.html

Plus, how hard is to change them other than having car at the right height when doing the bolts up??
Does car need to be jacked up or on the ramp??
I heard that some of them long bolts can be a real pain.

I think I will have to replace all 4 upper ones, will try to jack it up today and take a proper look.

Marcin, listening to the sound its exactly the same as my old D2 and the sound turned out to the be track rods ends as I mentioned a couple of posts ago. The bush in photo 11 is dead but I would have expected a clonking sound from that rather than the audible groan.

The noise sounds like something dry getting rotated, mountings at top of strut possibly? Either way the arms need doing as the bushes are shot and when your in there pulling it all apart check everything else.

Sound is pretty much like dry ball joint. Try to clean them up on outside so that dirt does not get in, peel back rubber boot a bit, spray some grease/oil in there and see if noise goes away. If it does you know where it's coming from but to sort them out properly would need to clean old grease out and pack with new grease if there is no wear in them or replace if too much wear.

Bushes does not look good but I would not say that they are shot. As long as there is no excessive movement they should be fine. 2-3 year old bushes can look like that but last for another 7 years before needing replacement.