Also known as the bane of my existence as an Audi owner.

If there's one thing that has pissed me off most about my Audi, it's the $800 price tag to have my local Audi dealer replace a control arm.

I'm no mechanic, but I want to start trying to do some of these repairs myself.

Questions:

1) On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most difficult, how hard is it to replace a control arm/sway bar?

2) What tools would I need?

3) Where's the best place to get OEM parts, or at least parts that meet or exceed OEM specs?

4) How much time should I plan to spend on my weekend for a control arm replacement?

Thanks in advance for any advice and suggestions.

 

You should just order a complete 10 piece (or 12 piece with new sway bar end links) kit and replace all the control arms at once.

1, 2, and 4. http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel43.shtml

3. Usually the OEM replacement parts will cost you more than heavier duty aftermarket components. I went with a 12 piece Meyle kit and have been very happy with the results.

http://www.europaparts.com/control-a...0my-meyle.html

 

Luckily my front lower control arms were replaced during the warranty period. They started creaking after only a few years. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you need to add an alignment to the list after doing front suspension work. I'm now going to a local auto repair shop for basic mechanical repair to save money over the Audi service prices (recently one tie rod end ball joint). It really doesn't save that much, but some money.

 

1-10 I'd say 4... You can but a kit that has everything you need. I got a kit that did both front sides for $300 and to do one side took me about 3 hours. The biggest issues is tie rod ends are a huge pain sometimes if they have seized up, but if you don't need to replace that just save the t.r.e. till ya do

TPAM
alignments are only really needed if you mess with the t.r.e.