I just bought the front control arm repair kit from Febi with the tie rod ends, and the ECS Ultimate timing belt kit. My question is, whould I attempt to do these jobs myself? I have never tried anything like it, but I am pretty mechanically inclined and I have the time to do it. I am afraid that I will really screw something up with the timing belt though. Any thoughts? Also, if I shouldnt do it myself, does anyone know a good audi mechanic in Connecticut?

 

hey you have the time, inclination, parts and tools, sounds like you can handle this.

get a Bentley and look over the write-ups. you can do it!

assuming you have a 1.8t--- http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng35.shtml

control arms---http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel43.shtml

 

thanks...any other opinions?

 

hey i live in CT as well, about 2 months ago i bought the ultimate timing belt kit from ecs with the lightweight crankshaft pulley. I dont suggest putting this in yourself unless u have changed a timing belt before... U can SERIOUSLY F your car up and the price to get it fixed will cost 5 times more than to just pay to have the kit installed. I had a place called Robert Motorcars in Woodbury, CT install it. They specialize in european cars ie. bmw audi and saab. They do really good work there and have an hourly rate over 65-70 bucks an hour which i feel is a great price. They also have installed my southbend clutch and borla exhaust and did my snub mount free when they did the timing belt kit. If u have any other questions feel free to ask.... btw where in CT do u live? I live in southbury about 10 minutes from waterbury

 

i live in New Britain...how much would they charge for the timing belt install?

 

with parts supplied by myself they installed for me : timing belt, tensioners, idler rollers, waterpump, thermastat, lightweight crankshaft pulley, and all other belts for $416 ... it was 6 1/2 hours labor at $64 an hour... i have the receipt right here cuz u gotta keep track of that kinda **** in case u ever decide to sell your car and have some picky buyers.

 

funny u ask. i just got done doing both to my car. i think the timing belt was eaiser but you have to be really really careful and make sure you have a good torque wrench. also if your smart you can do it without the timing bar (if u have the 2.8). and dont forget that fan bolt is a reverse thread! it doesnt take much thinking to do the contol arms but its a bitch!!! having pneumatic tools helps a bunch. saved me atleast twice today but you could do it without them...just takes more time and alot more effort. the pinch bolts can be really tough to get out.

but in the end i figure i saved about ~ $1000 - $1500 doing all the work myself. took me about a day for the timing belt and a day to change all 4 control arms and tie rod ends. heres my car (remeber mines a 2.8 30v):

 

oh and the snub mount... i forgot about that.