Late in April, 2013 I installed a passenger side control arm on a 1998 VW Jetta tdi. The control arm was purchased from autozone ( their part # 520-782) as an assembly with the ball joint installed. The car ran fine for about 2 weeks. Then while driving it began pulling to the right. On examination, 2 of the 3 bolts which hold the ball joint on the control arm were missing, and the third was easily removed by finger. When it was installed all 3 were in place. The one bolt remaining did not have any locking compound, nor did it have a mechanical locking device, such as a lock washer or lock nut. I installed 3 hardened bolts with locking compound, and the car has been fine for the past 5 days. If the third bolt had fallen out, the vehicle would have been impossible to control, and the probable result would have been a crash.

- Fargo, ND, USA

The contact owns a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the control arm bushing needed to be replaced because it made a noise and caused the vehicle to lunge forward when stopping. A mechanic stated that the replacement would cost nearly $500. In addition, the steering rack would make a noise when the steering wheel was turned. The mechanic added steering fluid and informed the contact that there was a substantial leak, which was worsening. The estimate to repair the leak was $1,084.84. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. The current mileage was approximately 86,000 and failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

- Houston, TX, USA