Thread: rear link arm bolt snapped

Looking at the catalogue, the latest revision has been used on the D3 since MY08 from VIN (V)8A443195 and is the same used on all later vehicles (D3/D4/RRS). So, it seems that the issue will not be improved with most current part.

I didn't get to remove the bolt. Judging by the uninterrupted crust of dirt around the heads and washers there is currently no looseness. I thought I found information that the bolt was updated to its current part# prior to the D4 introduction, which now appears to be confirmed. Hence no benefit in checking the bolt but I will get spares and may change them purely because of the vehicle's kms. However as only a small percentage of vehicles seem to have broken bolts, I suspect kms or usage is not a contributing factor.

I expect the advice to replace after removal is due to the bolt being pre-treated with locking compound that is only effective on the first use. I suspect the bolts are breaking because they are not properly tight and therefore are being bent/flexed back and forth until they fatigue enough to finally break at the point at which they are restrained. It would be real interesting to see a close-up of the remains of the broken-off bolt and of both end faces of the metal centre of the bush, looking for the stress signs on the bolt indicating how the bolt broke and any wear marks on the bush indicating whether or not there was movement. It would be easy to tell if the bolt has been fatigued by movement or whether it has sheared from a big hit. The bolt head might also tell a story but its not likely to be found.

Until the reason for the bolts breaking becomes properly identified, their breaking is a cause for concern.