Sorry it took so long to get back--I couldn't find this thread.

It turned out to be that my brake pads were paper thin and finally went. When they get that thin, they start to break loose and shift in the caliper when you put the brake on. The weird thing is I know I had checked them earlier and there was at least 3/16". Perhaps the calipers got locked open and wore them out faster than I could imagine.

 

put the car up in the air and get urself a pry bar, place it between the bottom of the upper control arm and the tire and pry away and look for movement, just did the front left on my 01 a4 cuz of clunking when i went over bumps and such

 

you did the front left? ....meaning you replaced your control arms or just pry'd at it with a pry bar? lol

 

i did the pry bar thing and then i found that it was my control arms and replaced both upper control arms

 

To check the uppers, just jack up the car, and hit the top of the joint. There should be no play.

I just replaced my uppers becasue the joints had gone to ****.If it weren't for the seized pinch bolt, it would have only been a two hour job.

 

How much does a independent shop charge to

A) Replace uper control arms for a year 2000, A6front wheel drive.
B) Replace all pads and rotors for four tires.

Thanks,

Steve

 

a local shop here in miami quoted me for control arm kits around $1200, if i brought the parts $450
and the same shop quoted me for replacing rotors and pads for $200 with I bringing the parts.

I just thought It was TOO much money! so I did them myself! still have to do the control arms on the bottom.....i did the upper control arms and the tie rod it was easy except the tie rod that was stuck.
the rotors and pads are pretty simple just search for DIY and you save alot of $