End link bushes failed with photos

A6 All/ S6 All
#1

Hi guys

I’ve had my Bilstein B14 suspension in for a few months and I’ve done a couple of track days and I just checked under the car and saw that my front end link bushes which connect to the sway bar look completely gone.

I don’t know the age of the bushes but clearly the car being slightly lower (26.5” GTF) has put a lot of pressure on the bushes.

What have others done for lowered cars? Are there any different end links that you can buy for lowered cars?

Also should I go poly bushes when I replace them?

Thanks
Richard

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#2

I’ve done a bunch of track days in my S6 and don’t think I’ve had that problem. You may have not had everything adjusted when the car was originally lowered. I also, only have Bilstein HDs with stock springs, so it sits lower than stock and handles amazingly on track, but still had the proper travel and geometry. I was steered away from getting polyurethane bushings because they degrade quickly I believe. I am looking for spherical bushings though. Maybe something to switch to later down the line.

#3

Yeah I think maybe I lowered the car and didn’t adjust the sway bar… pretty surprising. Well they’re probably older bushes as well. I’m not sure on age I’ve only had my car 18 months. You can see in those photos though that the geometry is off. I believe shorter end links would be better. I’ve seen these 034 Motorsport end links which are for the B7 RS4 which are 20mm shorter. Any views on whether I should get these?

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#4

If it’s doesn’t say it’s specifically made for the C6, it’s a risk I wouldn’t take. AKMotorsports is your best option if you’re looking for non-OEM. https://www.verkline.com/product-category/audi/a6-s6-c6-audi/

#5

No they aren’t specifically made for the C6 as they are 90mm in length so they fit the RS4 B7. However they should work as they look the same just shorter in length. I don’t know anything about verkline, have you had any experience with them? Verkline also make the two variants, one for the C6 and the one for the B7 RS4 which is shorter.

#6

They used to be name AK Motorsports so they have a pretty extensive history. I didn’t buy their parts though since I was steered away from poly.

#7

Right thanks I’ll do some research. What was it that out you off the poly bushes? The risk of squeaks or harsher drive?

I’m hoping only doing the end links in poly won’t affect the comfort of the ride or cause squeaking. I hate an irritating squeak!

#8

The fear of them not lasting very long. I don’t mind a harsh ride, so that’s I’m considering going with spherical bushings, but haven’t found anyone making them yet. Not sure anyone makes them at all.

#9

Are the Verkline ones not spherical bushings? The 034 motorsport ones are spherical, but as mentioned they are shorter end links at 90mm versus 110mm. I might try and see if my local shop who has the 034 end links will let me test fit them.

#10

No, they’re poly bushings. No one makes spherical bushings for our cars (yet). It seems that there will need to be enough demand for some company to produce them. The 034 motorsport option will need to be redone with the C6 in mind. 20mm is a pretty big difference.

#11

RIght ok. I’ll see what my local parts store says. I’m hoping they’ll let me test fit the 034 motorsport ones and I can go from there. I have the H&R sway bar and it does have two attachment points, one is about 15mm further back from the ones I’m using, so I could use these holes instead.

#12

Hi guys

I have just placed the order for the 034 Motorsport shorter end links and when I realised that our cars when lowered may need longer (not shorter) end links. Please could I get your thoughts and confirmation?

My thinking is this: When you lower your car the wheels in effect move upwards vs the body of the car. Therefore the sway bar ends move upwards and angle upwards slightly as the end links move upwards with the control arm. Therefore to correct this and maintain a horizontal sway bar we would need longer not shorter end links.

Am I going crazy? Please could you help urgently?

Thanks

#13

By way of update here, unfortunately I’ve tried the 034 Motorsport end links and they don’t fit as they don’t clear the control arm. I contacted verkline but they have stopped making end links for our cars!! I’m searching around to see if I can find some verkline in stock sitting on a shelf somewhere. If not I’m going to get some power flex bushings from the uk.

#14

Unfortunately there were no Verkline front end links available anywhere. So I have just ordered some Strong Flex Poly bushings which will be here soon. Also I’ve ordered some Verkline rear end links. I’ll let you know my thoughts once they arrive and I fit them. Cheers

#15

Good luck. I guess there weren’t enough people ordering the Verkline sets.

#16

Hi guys

Just as an update I have fitted the front Strong Flex Poly bushings. They feel good and have tightened up the front end a little more. They came with everything needed including the lubricant. No squeaks or issues so far.

I’m still waiting to receive the verkline rears and will provide an update once received.

Cheers

#17

Can you post the link to the specific kit for the C6 S6? I went on the Strong Flex site and it doesn’t seem like they have a specific kit for C6 S6. Thanks.

#18

Hi mate

Maybe as it’s the same kit for the A6 C6. Strong flex was about a third of the price of other brands. This is the front end link kit I purchased:

And this is a kit for the full car: