So my B5 recently hit the 100,000 mile mark and i have had a few problems. I have a right front control arm that needs to be replaced, a left outer tie rod that needs to be replaced and i need to replace the C/V boot. My main question is should i replace only the one control arm, or just go for it and do em all. I am very short on cash, actually im flat broke, so right now just replacing the single arm sounds good but im wondering if in the future it will benefit to just do em all.

 

Hey if your broke just deal with the prioprities right now, just keep in mind that later down the line (maybe another 15k) you'll probably be changing another CA, hopefully by then you'll have some cash to throw into it. I'm short on cash too and will be changing the one CA thats squeaking right now.

 

If you are tight on cash, just replace the worn out one. Try get cool parts. com. they have pretty good prices on the control arms and tie rod.

Have you changed your timing belt?

 

Yeah im pretty sure the timing belt was changed before i got it.

 

Be VERY sure. Being wrong on this could cost you your engine. If you can't get a written record, have it done. Better safe than sorry.

 

Yep, better safe than sorry. I got my car used too, and had my mechanic look at the timing belt and stuff. He said it looked like it was in good shape but didn't know if it was replaced before. So I didn't chance it I just got it replaced.