Yesterday, I went to the dealer to do an oil change and my state inspection for VA. I failed the inspection since the dealer said that my upper control arm bushings need replacing. I don't know much about cars, so I had to google it when I got home.

My question is do I need to also replace the control arms, or can I just replace the bushings? The bushings are cheap, but the control arms are about $250. I know someone that fixes cars in his spare time. He did a really good job replacing my 4 rotors and brakes for $200 in labour, after the dealer quoted $1200 for parts/labour. I figure I'd get him to replace the bushings. Knowing how expensive dealers can be, I assume the $890 quote that they gave me is for replacing the bushings alone, not control arm.

I have a small oil leak too, so I was quoted $435 to replace the "valve cover gasket"

My car is a 2006 A4 quattro 2.0T

 

I don't know about bushings and control arms, but $435 to replace the gasket is a rip off.

 

Bushings aren't usually a problem with the B7...

The dealer does the state inspection....?

The kind of entrapment if you think about it... You can only pass inspection if you authorize repairs the dealer "says you need".

I'd find some sort of independent Euro Shop for a second option

 

hi ananny,
same thing happen to me ,i bought my car for a oil change at the dealer bacause they have a coupon for 69.99 before i got back my car the advisor say your upper arm bushing need to change and also fuel filter,throttle body need to clean.so i ask him how much he said 780 for the bushing,199 for the fuel filter and 169.99 for the throttle body cleaned.I m like WTF thats like 1200 dollars ..i m like hell no i m doing it ,i better find a third party shop which i uasally go if the stealer charge me crazy!!!!!