Control arm ball joint different sizes?

RJNADIGER

MEMBER
2005 AUDI A6
3.2L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
213,000 MILES

The original right front upper rearward control arm has a bigger sized shank on the ball joint than the replacement part I received. What would cause this discrepancy?

Friday, August 19th, 2022 AT 12:45 PM

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,602 POSTS

This can be manufacturers change mid-year, try to match arms from the year after or before your car was made. Plus, they came with two different size engines this can do it as well. Audi is famous for this. I have included how to change the arms out in the images below in case you need it.

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Friday, August 19th, 2022 AT 4:19 PM

RJNADIGER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The Audi A6 does come with the 4.2L V8. Would that cause it? In the picture you can see the old one and new one. It would make sense for the suspension on a V8 model to be bigger.

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Friday, August 19th, 2022 AT 4:32 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,602 POSTS

Yep, even if the length is different, it could be a year spit which is common. Here are the part numbers they show:

Lower Control Arm
12 - Lower Control Arm
4F0407151A
438.33

Upper Link
Front
Right
4 - Upper Link
4E0407506E
393.33

Left
4 - Upper Link
4E0407505E
393.33

Rear
Right
4 - Upper Link
4E0407510E
393.33

Left
4 - Upper Link
4E0407509E
393.33

Lower Link
Right
7 - Lower Link
4F0407694H
500.00

Left
7 - Lower Link
4F0407693H
500.00

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Saturday, August 20th, 2022 AT 4:53 PM