Upper control arm questions STFA follow up to previous post
03-22-2005, 03:36 PM
#1
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Allentown , PA
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Upper control arm questions STFA follow up to previous post
I searched but didn"t find an answer. My S has just under 57kmi. Upcoming big 60k pm. My car failed a state insp. previously for worn upper control arm bushings. I asked the mechanic who works on my car if he can fix the control arms when the car is in for the 60k pm. He wants to purchase the whole OEM set for all the arms and tie rods front and rear. He said there is only a few hundred dollars difference between just buying the upper COs and the whole package. I'm all ready replacing all the front end of the engine (WP,belts,tens,therm)in the 60k pm. I can understand that this makes sense to replace all that while you have the car apart. But do I really need to replace all the tie rod ends and control arms at the same time ?? Just to save a couple of bucks. The price he quoted me for the
whole service 60k pm and complete set of OEM COs and TREs was $2300 including labor. I would rather only replace what's worn out. I know the COs have been an issue with these cars. But, I would like to know what the advice is from the group. TIA
whole service 60k pm and complete set of OEM COs and TREs was $2300 including labor. I would rather only replace what's worn out. I know the COs have been an issue with these cars. But, I would like to know what the advice is from the group. TIA
03-22-2005, 03:43 PM
#2
AudiWorld Uber User
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 66,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
He's probably right...a kit would be cheaper than ordering multiple
arms one at a time, however I don't think you need to replace all of them. The rears, for example, have a much lower failure rate.
If you don't mind returning to the shop at a future date to have more arms replaced, I would ask them to only replace the bad arms for now (order a front control arm kit if it's cost effective, and hold onto any spare arms in the event of future failures). Replacing two front upper arms isn't a big deal in terms of labor, and it doesn't really give you clean access to all the other arms and TRE, so I wouldn't replace those unless they are actually bad.
If your time is more valuable than your money, and you want it over and done with in one service visit, then I would advise replacing all the front arms and TRE's as well as the alignment. That should tide you over for another 60K.
If you don't mind returning to the shop at a future date to have more arms replaced, I would ask them to only replace the bad arms for now (order a front control arm kit if it's cost effective, and hold onto any spare arms in the event of future failures). Replacing two front upper arms isn't a big deal in terms of labor, and it doesn't really give you clean access to all the other arms and TRE, so I wouldn't replace those unless they are actually bad.
If your time is more valuable than your money, and you want it over and done with in one service visit, then I would advise replacing all the front arms and TRE's as well as the alignment. That should tide you over for another 60K.
03-22-2005, 03:53 PM
#3
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Allentown , PA
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's what I said to him. I would rather he look it all over and replace only what was needed.
But I just wondered what would be the best course to take. I believe that is what I'll do. Thanks
03-22-2005, 03:53 PM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 6,468
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd just repalce them all. I doubt you'd save much by holding back on the lowers.
I might also add that if this is an independent shop, that price seems a little high. Figure about $400 in parts for the front engine stuff (belt, pulleys, pump, etc) and about $600 for the control arm kit. That's $1000 in parts. Probably about 10 hours time to do both tasks. Then you'll need an alignment. You do the math.
03-22-2005, 04:00 PM
#5
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Allentown , PA
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
He is an independant but he charges $85 per hour labor.
I'll have him send me an itemized invoice and
get two other estimates before I jump in.
get two other estimates before I jump in.
