Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.6, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.8 T, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.9 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.9 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.8 T quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.8 T quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.8 T, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.9 TDI, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.6, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.9 TDI quattro, AUDI A3 Hatchback (8L1) 1.9 TDI … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change front suspension arm / front control arm on AUDI A3 1 (8L1) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Control Arm for A3 Hatchback (8L1) and other AUDI models

Suspension arm

        Suspension arm for A3 Hatchback (8L1) Petrol (101 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for A3 Hatchback (8L1) Petrol (150 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for A3 Hatchback (8L1) Diesel (90 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for A3 Hatchback (8L1) Diesel (110 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for A3 Hatchback (8L1) Petrol (180 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for A3 Hatchback (8L1) Petrol (150 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for A3 Hatchback (8L1) Petrol (180 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for A3 Hatchback (8L1) Diesel (130 hp)
      
        Suspension arm for A3 Hatchback (8L1) Petrol (102 hp)

Replacement: front lower arm – Audi A3 8L1. List of the tools you'll need:

                        Combination spanner #18
                      
                        Drive socket # 16 
                      
                        Drive socket # 18 
                      
                        HEX bit No.H8.
                      
                        WD-40 spray
                      
                        Copper grease 
                      
                        Wire brush
                      
                        Torque wrench
                      
                        Wheel impact socket #17
                      
                        Hydraulic transmission jack
                      
                        Crow bar
                      
                        Wheel chock

Buy tools

Replacement: front lower arm – Audi A3 8L1. Tip from AUTODOC experts:

The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right lower control arms.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Replacement: front lower arm – Audi A3 8L1. Take the following steps:

Step 1

Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 2

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 3

Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
Step 4

Unscrew the wheel bolts.

Replacement: front lower arm – Audi A3 8L1. AUTODOC recommends:
To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
Step 5

Remove the wheel.
Step 6

Disconnect the transverse stabilizer fastener from the link. Use a drive socket #16. Use HEX No.H8.
Step 7

Turn the stabilizer.
Step 8

Unscrew the ball joint fastening nut. Use a combination spanner #18.
Step 9

Unscrew the front arm fastener. Use a drive socket #16.
Step 10

Unscrew the rear arm fastener. Use a drive socket #18.
Step 11

Unscrew the ball joint fastening to the steering knuckle.
Step 12

Remove the arm.

Replacement: front lower arm – Audi A3 8L1. Professionals recommend:
If necessary, use a crowbar.
Step 13

Clean all joints of the arm. Use a wire brush. Treat all joints of the arm. Use WD-40 spray.

Replacement: front lower arm – Audi A3 8L1. Tip from AUTODOC:
Wear protective goggles.
Step 14

Install a new arm.
Step 15

Insert the ball joint into the steering knuckle and fix it with a new nut.

Replacement: front lower arm – Audi A3 8L1. AUTODOC experts recommend:
Do not damage the ball joint cover.
Step 16

Install the front fastener of the arm. Do not tighten it.
Step 17

Install the rear fastener of the arm.
Step 18

Tighten the ball joint fastening nut. Use a combination spanner #18.
Step 19

Support the arm. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 20

Screw the front arm fastener. Important! Be sure to use new fasteners. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 70 Nm torque.+90°
Step 21

Screw the rear arm fastener. Important! Be sure to use new fasteners. Use a drive socket #18. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 70 Nm torque.+90°
Step 22

Tighten the ball joint fastening nut. Important! Be sure to use new fasteners. Use a combination spanner #18. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 45 nm torque.
Step 23

Install the rod fastening to the stabilizer and tighten it. Important! Be sure to use new fasteners. Use a drive socket #16. Use HEX No.H8. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 15 Nm torque.+90°
Step 24

Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush. Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.
Step 25

Install the wheel.

AUTODOC recommends:
Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel while screwing in the fastening bolts on the car. Audi A3 8L1
Step 26

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 27

Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 120 nm torque.
Step 28

Remove the jacks and chocks.

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