I've been advised by my Audi dealer service manager that my 2005 A6 (with 54000 miles) needs new Upper Control Arm Link Bushings. He says this will cost about $1000. Is this service expected for an Audi this age? What are the risks if I postpone this service? The car drives fine. There are no vibrations at any speed. Also, I'm wondering why bushing inspection/replacement is not mentioned in the Service Schedule in the Owner's Manual.

 

A bit pre-mature but not unusual. You will get excessive tire wear and vibration. You have to buy the entire control arm, not just the bushings, when either the bushing or ball joint goes bad.

And that will be just the beginning. You might want to consider a new car while your car still has residual value.

 

1000$ for the upper control arm bushings only? That's sounds like a rip off to me. Sure there is some labor involved and alignment afterwards but as a FYI I bought the Billstein control arm kit (all 4 links for each side and some extras) for 470$ and alignment for roughly 150$.