1. Apply the handbrake, then jack up the front of the car and support it on axle stands. Remove the corresponding front wheel.
2. On models with direct steering, completely remove the anti-roll bar as described in Chapter 6. On power steering models, remove the nut securing the side links to the lower control arm.
3. Loosen and remove the lower ball joint clamp bolt, bolt head facing forward.
4. Strike the suspension arm down to release the ball joint from the wheel bearing housing.
5. Loosen and remove the hinge bolts (photo) from the lower frame, noting that the nuts are located towards each other, then lower the lever and remove it from under the car.
6. Check the wear of the ball joint and the condition of the pivot bushings. Also check that the suspension arm is not damaged. If necessary, replace the ball joint and bushings as follows.
7. Before replacing the ball joint, determine the exact position on the suspension arm (photo). This is important as the holes in the arm are elongated to allow camber adjustment. Unscrew the nuts, remove the ball joint and clamping plate. Place the new ball joint exactly on the mark, install the clamp bar and tighten the nuts. New nuts must be used. Note on the non-Coupe model, the offset side of the ball joint must face forward. On the Coupe model, the uneven part numbered ball joint should be on the left side and the even part numbered ball joint on the right side.
8. To replace the pivot bushings, use a long bolt along with a metal pipe and washers to pull out each bushing. Install new bushings using the same method, but soak them in soapy water first.
9. Install the suspension arm in reverse order. Do not tighten the pivot bolts until the weight of the vehicle is on the suspension.
10. Guided Chapter 6, install the stabilizer bar.
11. Tighten all nuts and bolts with the tightening torque specified in the Specification, noting that the internal hinge bolts are additionally tightened to the specified angle. All self-locking nuts must be replaced.
12. Finally, check the camber angle of the front wheels and have it adjusted by an Audi dealer if necessary.
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