So I bought a 2000 1.8t 5 speed a few months ago and have done a bunch of work to the car to get it perfect.
It is at the local shop here and I found out that the rear subframe is cracked.

Previous owner's had installed a Neuspeed 20mm rear swaybar. Spoke to Neuspeed and they said that they no longer sell the 20mm sway bar they only sell a 19mm. And they recommend you purchase a hardware kit that comes
with additional plates that are welded to the rear subframe.

Apparently the 20mm bar was a race only item, not intended for street use.
Neuspeed also stated that all the A4 B5 subframes eventually crack even with stock sway bars.

Asked my mechanic about this and he stated that he had never seen a failure like that.

So a couple of questions:

1) Anyone with a stock rear sway bar experienced a cracked subframe?

2) Anyone with an aftermarket rear sway bar (Neuspeed or other) experienced a cracked subframe?

I got a used subframe and the $169 hardware kit to be welded to the subframe but it's going to cost $850 or so.

I guess it's better than having the rear end brake while driving...



Thanks

Andre

 

added pics

 

No cracked subframe for me... I have a 17mm H&R rear sway though

 

You can go for as big of a swaybar as you want, but you should increase the front just as much. Changing the ratio will change how your car handles. IIRC it's too large of a rear bar = oversteer and too small a rear bar = understeer.

No idea about the crack thing.

 

'01 a4 avant 2.8Q. My subframe is cracked. I actually bought the neuspeed reinforcement kit for good measure after running the H&R 22mm sway bar for a year. When I went to install it I noticed the frame had a crack already. Cracked on the driver side rear tow link bolt hole clear to the bottom.

Bought a hobart 125 mig welder. Always wanted to learn welding. Now I have a real excuse.

 

Seriously, I thought this was common knowledge, but sub-frames have cracked with a 19mm bar, let alone a 20mm or higher. Look at the picture(stolen from rob'saudiworld)...now think of the weight of the car flexing on that super thin part of the subframe. If you're going to run a thicker rear bar, you need to get the sub-frame reinforcement bracket period.

 

I just bought a 22mm bar and am looking for the reinforcement brackets but having a hard time finding some, does anyone have a link?

 

NEUSPEED Hardware Kit : Neuspeed®

This is what I used on my car...
andre

 

Damn, little pricier than I was looking to spend.... thanks though!

 

Likely cheaper than replacing the subframe later on!