AWD DSM Poll: Suspension Problems

[paranoidTSi]

I don't know about anyone else, but from my experience the suspension on AWD vehicles seem to be held together by duct tape or super glue. I was curious as to how many people have ran into serious problems with suspension....i.e. blown cv axles, defective ball joints, negative/positive camber, tie rod ends...etc.

I've got two new CV Axles, new passenger side ball joint, today I am told that the camber needs adjusting (this vehicle is stock height mind you), that I need a new driver side ball joint and I need two new tie rod ends..all this because the inside of the tire is wearing out too quickly.

Suspension problems have accounted for 70% of my repair costs.

 

[Staytuned]

No other problems than the already known recall on the control arm ball joints.

 

[tstkl]

No other problems than the already known recall on the control arm ball joints.

WAIT WHAT?

 

[jtmcinder]

If the suspension on a 97 TSi AWD involves duct tape, it's damned good duct tape. I ran three rallycrosses on the stock suspension this winter. No issues, even though I pounded the bumpstops for more than 30 minutes and generally beat the crap out of the car.

Of course, I keep up with the recalls.

- Jtoby

 

[AWDTSiTalon]

I've had no problems. My car rides like a dream. It should be even better once I ditch the KYB AGX's for some Koni's.

 

[paranoidTSi]

WAIT WHAT?

The lower lateral ball joints on BOTH passenger and driver side can have a problem where the boot permaturely wears..dirt and grime get into the joint and may cause the joint to prematurely seperate...in which case...the front half of your car drops on the ground.

 

[paranoidTSi]

well then..I guess I can attribute most of the suspension problems from an abusive past rather than shaddy assembly.

 

[Zenja]

My suspension is disintegrated right now. Actually, I just got home an hour ago right before my CV joint grenaded on me. Now I'm trying to figure out if I can just get a repair kit somewhere or if I'm going to have to get a whole axle.

I have huge camber problems (not lowered), a leaking shock or two, something really screwed up with the springs, 2 or more ball joints that need replacing, wheel bearings are starting to get worn, and probably some more stuff. You can see why it's hard for me to get an alignment when I make like $450 a month, $150 goes to gas, and $200 goes to the car loan. I have totally bald tires and I can't put my new ones on that are sitting in the basement because my car would destroy them in no time.

On the plus side, it's gotten me through winter fine. I only spun out once and I mess around a little all the time. Winters here are HORRIBLE on the car, including the suspension especially.

 

[steve]

The lower lateral ball joints on BOTH passenger and driver side

The recall applies to 2G's. 1G lower ball joint can wear out but it's not from a defective factory part.

Steve

 

[boostedinaz]

This may be a big shock, but alot of people dont keep up on maintenance on there car. You bought a used car and it looks like the person who had it before didnt do a good job of keeping it up. When you replace all those components you will need an alignment. Nothing is going to stay on the same place when the control arms and othe pieces are moved or replaced.