greatblackhawk

Thanks for this Gareth, greatly appreciated What follows is probably a more accurate statement of my position which I hope answers the points you make. As stated I had my 2008 Audi R8 4.2 MOT’d (early this month) which was given an Advisory relating to the Suspension component ball joint Offside (Driver’s side) front Upper Suspension having slight play. The Garage who did the MOT said they couldn’t fix the problem (they didn’t explain why). I went to a highly reputable local Audi specialist who confirmed that the ball joint had play and then advised that as AUDI no longer manufactured this exact same part they would need to replace parts on both sides for safety reasons. To sense check this I called another Garage (without leading the witness) who confirmed that these parts are no longer available so the only way to fix (Audi speak) is to replace offside and near side left and right upper wishbones etc with the newly modified approved Audi parts. As the Car is drivable I have 11 months to address but as replacing with new AUDI parts including Labour is much more complex and significantly more expensive than I thought to fix I wanted to explore other initiatives. I have downloaded an “exploded” picture of the part(s) in question which is 420 407 506 E Wishbone Right Upper M14 which I can source via an on-line organisation who seem to have a good reputation. I’m keen to resolve sometime soon. Therefore, my question is would a Garage be able (or prepared) to help me fix this problem if I can procure the OEM part in question from a reliable source. I’d accept that this would need to be at my “risk”

I’m new to this Forum and not as technically gifted as many enthusiasts so please excuse any naivety. My Audi R8 (2008 V8) had an Advisory on its latest MOT relating to the Suspension component ball joint Offside Front Upper Suspension having slight play. I have been advised that Audi no longer make the exact same part and that I'd need to “upgrade” which is more complex and expensive than I thought as it’s potentially a significant cost. Just focussing on the ball joint itself, It seems that as far as the front ball joints are concerned they appear to be the same 'screwed in' type as in the rear which might be a way forward in terms of compatibility. A bit left of a left field thought but might I be to buy the updated whole new wishbone and then unscrew the ball joint and put it into my old original wishbone. Therefore, just having the cost of one wishbone. I would accept that the actual wishbone is different but the ball joint isn't. It this were possible it would negate having to change all of the suspension parts just for the sake of a rubber ball joint. Given the condition of UK roads in the last few years with potholes everywhere ball joint fails seem increasingly likely!