Dorman 538-236 Suspension Ball Joint - Front Lower Forward

Dorman 538-236 Front Lower Forward Ball Joint

Dorman 538-236 is a threaded suspension ball joint engineered as a standard replacement for the original equipment design on select Audi and Porsche applications. It is built from steel with a rubber dust boot and includes mounting hardware for service work on the front lower forward position.

Key Features

• Steel construction with grey finish
• Threaded design with tapered stud type
• Press-in mounting type for OE-style service replacement
• Rubber dust boot included
• Standard suspension grade replacement
• Mounting hardware included
• No grease fitting, greaseable design, or castle nut included

Detailed Description

This suspension ball joint is precision-engineered and tested to replace the original equipment part on specific vehicles. Dorman 538-236 is used in the front lower forward suspension location on many Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, Q5, S4, S5, RS5, RS7, SQ5, allroad, and Porsche Macan models. It is a direct-fit replacement for applications that use the threaded, press-in style joint with a tapered stud and rubber boot protection. This part cross-references MOOG Chassis Products K500252 for the same application.

Compatible With 2013-2024 Audi A4, front lower forward; 2013-2024 Audi A4 allroad, front lower forward; 2013-2024 Audi A4 Quattro, front lower forward; 2013-2024 Audi S4, front lower forward; 2013-2024 Audi S5, front lower forward; 2018-2024 Audi S5 Sportback, front lower forward; 2015-2024 Porsche Macan, front lower forward; and additional select Audi A5, A6, A7, Q5, RS5, RS7, S6, S7, and SQ5 applications. Dorman 538-236 is also listed for 2012 Audi models with M14 nut applications in the same front lower forward position.

What It Helps Address

• Front suspension looseness or play at the lower forward joint
• Clunking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps
• Uneven steering response caused by worn ball joint components
• Suspension noise from a damaged or deteriorated dust boot
• Service replacement needs on Audi and Porsche front lower forward suspension assemblies

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the vehicle’s year, model, and front lower forward suspension configuration before installation. This part uses a press-in mounting type and threaded stud design, so proper suspension service tools are recommended. Confirm stud thread length, wrench size, and fitment notes such as the 2012 M14 nut applications before ordering. Always inspect the surrounding control arm and mounting surfaces for wear during replacement.

Quality Assurance

Dorman designs this ball joint as a standard OE-style replacement and subjects it to testing for reliable service on the listed applications. The steel body, rubber dust boot, and application-specific fitment support consistent suspension repair on compatible Audi and Porsche models.