Labor cost of to REPLACE FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARMS
08-22-2014, 08:54 AM
#21
AudiWorld Super User
Meyle isn't OEM. Wasted my $ on A6.
Not OEM by a huge margin. On my 2000 A6 4.2 I used a Meyle complete set from Blau Parts for a "great price." Replaced my first control arm (back to dealer OE) w/in 20K miles, in that case due to a torn out outer ball joint rubber seal. False savings.
Parts also had no country of origin markings on them at all, which as I recall is also a violation of US consumer protection laws.
Never again.
Buy OE (or OES if you can find them) and pay up. Lemforder and TRW (mine has some marked TRW) are the apparent OES's I know of. Otherwise you will just pay again on the labor, and yet more.
Parts also had no country of origin markings on them at all, which as I recall is also a violation of US consumer protection laws.
Never again.
Buy OE (or OES if you can find them) and pay up. Lemforder and TRW (mine has some marked TRW) are the apparent OES's I know of. Otherwise you will just pay again on the labor, and yet more.
Last edited by MP4.2+6.0; 08-22-2014 at 10:37 AM.
08-22-2014, 10:16 AM
#22
AudiWorld Senior Member
Since Audiusaparts shows a different part number and price for S8 arms, does anyone know if there is a difference? The bushings have the same number.
My Lemforder bushings are 515D, the Audi number is 515C. Are these the same?
My Lemforder bushings are 515D, the Audi number is 515C. Are these the same?
08-22-2014, 07:32 PM
#23
Audiworld Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Little Elm, TX
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just did these last weekend. I ordered 4E0407515D, from Arlington Audi, VA. They were like $40.00ea. I had a local shop press them for me. Just remember to torque the arms in the ride height position.
08-23-2014, 03:03 PM
#24
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Moronville, Tennessee (Middle TN)
Posts: 2,223
Received 83 Likes
on
69 Posts
If he said he'd price match internet but didn't restrict it to OEM or equvalent, you could talk to his boss or Audi USA corporate. But then that dealer would find things way beyond original scope of repair, I bet...
I'd let that service adviser know you're letting him/her off the hook, and then get treated like royalty by him.
-Tom
08-23-2014, 03:38 PM
#25
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Moronville, Tennessee (Middle TN)
Posts: 2,223
Received 83 Likes
on
69 Posts
See if he'll match this: Karlyn UCA
From a similar thread... in which I was essentially called an idiot for considering them.
Even though they are guaranteed for life (or for the life of FCP's business, haha)... and yes, my time is as valuable as everyone elses', but I LIKE working on cars... so if I have to do this job again, so be it. I'll have lubed the pinch bolts, and now that Misha informed me it's doable in 2 hours a long as they come out easily, I am thrilled to use the US made parts.
When/if manufacturing dies in the US, we will be stumbling toward a Grecian Economic situation. I support US industry as much a I can. Getting harder by the day, though.
From a similar thread... in which I was essentially called an idiot for considering them.
Even though they are guaranteed for life (or for the life of FCP's business, haha)... and yes, my time is as valuable as everyone elses', but I LIKE working on cars... so if I have to do this job again, so be it. I'll have lubed the pinch bolts, and now that Misha informed me it's doable in 2 hours a long as they come out easily, I am thrilled to use the US made parts.
When/if manufacturing dies in the US, we will be stumbling toward a Grecian Economic situation. I support US industry as much a I can. Getting harder by the day, though.
10-22-2014, 01:27 PM
#26
AudiWorld Member
I recently blew a front tire on one of lovely potholes in my city. After a new tire and an alignment I am out half of a degree on the camber. Rather than bring it to a stealership I was wondering if there are aftermarket adjustable upper control arms that can be installed and may make the job less expensive.
10-22-2014, 05:13 PM
#28
AudiWorld Super User
I recently blew a front tire on one of lovely potholes in my city. After a new tire and an alignment I am out half of a degree on the camber. Rather than bring it to a stealership I was wondering if there are aftermarket adjustable upper control arms that can be installed and may make the job less expensive.