Front Control Arm Refresh

[Marty]

Does anyone have a step by step guide on rebuilding the front suspension?

Im used to working on cars with a Haynes manual so I atleast have sequence and torque values!

Planning on removing the front struts and replacing the dampers, upper struts and bump stops.

Then from autodoc I am going to order the full Meyle kit incl trackrod ends and ARB link (https://www.autodoc.co.uk/meyle/2118381)

will also replace the ARB bushing, the ARB itself looks like its from the titanic but ill wire brush up and hammerite it!

any feedback experience is very much appreciated, been on forum for a year or so but just took the dive into a D2.

Money is tight so id like to avoid using a garage for the labour, so DIY.

Next on the list is the timing belt, but thats a garage job!

Then fix the heatshield rattle...

I feel ive bought a basket case!

[steamship]

Have you has a read through of the following PDF from the D2 Tech Dump thread? It covers all the suspension parts, but not exactly in the way you mention i.e. a complete rebuild as opposed to broken down into individual parts.

Service Manual Running Gear FWD and 4WD.pdf

The timing belt is a DIY job, so long as you have the correct locking gear and the patience to check your work. I did my first complete change last April (2023), and now have to do another change because the belt is moving a couple of mm. Despite going for 'quality' brand names, unfortunately a lot are now being made in China, so you can't even go by brand name, unless you know where they were made (see photo below).

BTW I come from an IT background and never worked on any car until I bought the A8. Like yourself, money is tight, and no one here in NI will even look at the car. One exception... and that didn't go well.

[Marty]

thanks for the pdf doc, this really helped.

dropped the car off at my local garage, for now I might just fix the knocking control arm and then in the future do the lot!