1998 Audi A4: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jan 11, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 152,000 miles · MA

Control arm on my 1998 audi a4 fractured when pulling out of a parking lot, causing complete loss of steering control. Audi technical service bulletin the federal safety agency # 10016418, #11242004 component description: 22. Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm bulletin number: 11242004 bulletin date: nov 2004 vehicle: 1,998 audi a4 summary: service action je campaign-check/replace front suspension lower control arms. Audi has found that in rare cases, one or both front suspension lower control arms on affected vehicles can exhibit wear, even though the damage to the rubber bo ( the federal safety agency item number - 10016418 ).

Filed Oct 27, 2009 · Steering · 170,000 miles · MI

Tie rod failure resulting is a compromise of steering control as described in the federal safety agency 99v248000.

Filed Oct 31, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 34,528 miles · MI

Dt: the contact states that he is unable to have a recall 99v248000 repaired without charge. He purchased a used vehicle last week with an outstanding recall, when he took the vehicle to the dealer to have recall repair completed. The manufacturer refused to offer a free remedy. The recall stated that the tie rods would be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer indicated that because there was no damage to the rubber boots the tie rods would not be replaced free of charge. The dealer provided a repair order indicating that the lower control arm was damaged.

Filed Sep 27, 2005 · Engine · 80,650 miles · OH

Dt: the contact stated timing belt broke at the end of 2001. She stated that when the timing belts break on these audis and bend the valves,e they will destroy the engine. She reported having no problems with the engine since then. She had the car towed in 2001. The bill was $4,468.00. The timing belt went out at 80,000 miles. An advocate for audi in michigan told her on 9-26-05 that they sent her a letter concerning the timing belt. They were unsure as to when they sent it. The contact searched the internet and found some information about a lawsuit filed against audi. (9-27-05 the contact called the same advocate and asked her to check the reference number on the car, and the advocate told her that there was ongoing campaign concerning the timing belt. It was called the jk campaign. The control arm was called the je campaign. She has never received any recall letters and notified the advocate that she had never received a letter. The contact stated that in the maintenance book,it stated that the timing belt should not have to be changed until 90,000 miles.

Filed Sep 14, 2005 · Steering · 54,312 miles · TX

Re: the federal safety agency recall id number: 99v248000 (sep 13, 1999) I own an 1998 audi a4 [xxx]. On 03/11/2003 I had the $1,3000 repair of tie rods and front wheel bearing at houston momentum audi that seemed to be exactly what is described in the recalls consequences. The audi of america does not show my vehicle among those subject to the recall. When I called them, they could not provide any reasoning, nor could they reconcile their references with the federal safety agency recall. I believe, I should be reimbursed by audi and would appreciate your help in resolving this matter. Sincerely, [xxx]. *nm updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Aug 12, 2005 · Suspension · NY

The consumer requested for recall repair reimbursement for work performed on the 1998 audi a4 lower control arms. *mr all 4 upper control arms and one bolt on the right side was replaced.

Filed Apr 6, 2005 · Engine, Steering · 109,000 miles · NC

The vehicle developed a severe vibration in the front end. The upper, lower suspension arms and the tie rod ends were replaced. There was a severe oil leakage observed coming from the engine during acceleration. Oil was found in the spark plug cavities and the spark plug wires protective sleeve was brittle due to high engine temperature. *ak *sc

Filed Jan 2, 2005 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · CA

After less that 70k miles, the upper control arms (specifically the bushings that protect the control arms' joints) on my audi a4 have proved defective. According to my technician, the control arms are the part of the car that make steering possible; therefore, faulty control arms create an enormous safety hazard and a liability. Audi has already issued a recall for the lower control arms, but the recall does not cover the upper control arms -- despite the fact that the upper control arms are more defective. Every audi technician that I've spoken to about this defect has admitted that audi is ducking the problem, and as a consumer I feel cheated. Audi is not operating on good faith. This is bad business that leaves unassuming consumers bearing the burden not only of costly repairs but also of hazardous mechanical failures.

Filed Dec 16, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 59,000 miles · UT

I received a recall on my 1998 audi a-4 for a problem with both front suspension lower control arms. When I took it in the dealer said these were okay, but the upper front suspension control arms were bad, and also the steering tie-rods.*ak when I called audi that it was the upper not the lower control arms that were bad they said they wouldn't do anything because the recall was for the lower. I took it to an independent repair technitian to confirm, which he did. He also said it was dangerous to drive the car with the tie rods in such bad condition. Repair costs are about $500. Because the upper and lower control arms are both part of the same unit and the car does not have high mileage (59,000 miles) I do not feel it is right for me to have bear this cost.

Filed Dec 10, 2004 · Suspension · 150,000 miles · NH

I received a recall notice for the lower control arms on my 1998 audi a4. I contacted the dealer to schedule the service. They are going to inspect my control arms. If they need to be replaced I must pay for the replacement because I can prove that I had an audi technician look at the control arms at the regularly scheduled intervals. This seems very unsafe seeing how it affects the steering of the car. It also seems unusual an inspection of the control arms would prevent a failure of the control arms.

Filed Dec 9, 2004 · Brakes, Lights · 65,000 miles · OH

Control arms on driver and passenger side have gone bad in the last year. I dont think that is right for the parts to fail like that.. I bought the audi cause I thought it would be a safe and reliable car, when all it has been for me is a money trap.

Filed Sep 29, 2004 · Steering · 41,704 miles · RI

This consumer experienced the same problem as stated in the federal safety agency recall 99v244000. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly. Dealership indicated to the consumer this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. *ak the consumer requested reimbursement. *sc