Suspension Survey

[climber211]

Hey guys/gals.

Took my 2001 Passat (75000K) to the stealership the other day for a cv boot replacement. Guess what they found? All controll arms on the top were trashed. The bottoms were okay and they checked under warranty but the tops were completely dry. Here is the survey part. Let me know via a post if you are having the same problem. I've contacted VWOA to complain and they will be calling me this week. I would like to be able to explain to them how they have a safety issue as well as a design issue. Not to mention to have them foot the bill for 1000K repair cost. I looked at 10 other used passats at used car dealers and they were all shot. Looks like if they have a recall on the bottom, the tops should be included. I will post VWOA answer sometime next week.

[Mr Vegas]

Yeah the top arms wear out both on the rubber and ball joint ends,haven't seen one not have that problem at 75000k though,kinda normal really-guess they shouldn't have sold you it faulty.

[Will12]

I have a problem with my upper controll arms, they squeek. What is the best approach to changing them the price is about $300 per side.

Anyone idea?

[nflo555]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to just replace the front and rear control arm bushing's instead of the whole control arm?

Front bushings: $5.15/each
Rear bushings: $8.16/each

These prices are for a '97 Passat GLX V6 from http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/