I have a 1999 Audi A4 Quattro. I just came back from my mechanic, and he said my car's missing an A/C belt. He also wanted to me to change my rear brakes, replace the outer boots, and replace the front control arms. Also, my engine light is on, and the AutoZone machine says it is because of a faulty cat. converter.
1. What is an a/c belt and what is it used for? He said the part's not expensive at all, but the labor would be long so it would come out pretty pricey.
2. Where should I order rear brakes that would fit onto the stock rear brake system? I assume I can do this myself...
3. I assume I need to get the control arms done at the mechanic because that would be quite an extensive procedure.
4. How difficult is it to replace CV boots? How expensive would it be to get them done at the mechanic?

 

the A/C belt drives the A/C (air conditioning) compressor. the belt is only a few $ but it does take a bit to install as you have to remove a bit to get access to install the belt..

what 'rear brake' parts do you need? rotors? pads? calipers?

you can probably do a control arm replacement yourself, its not particularly hard, just removing bolts then reinstalling the new pieces. do one side at a time so if you forget you can look at the other side and see where stuff goes.

as for the CV boots, are you replacing the whole CV joint/axel or just the rubber boot?

 

The A/C belt can be removed and replaced fairly easily. I just did it on my 99 A4 last weekend. Jack the front end up, remove the plastic underpan, and the belt is on the lower left side. It has a separate tensioner with 2 6mm hex bolts, 1 fixed and 1 with a slot to adjust the tension. The only issue is that the slot does not allow enough slack to get the belt off. Just remove both bolts, pull the tensioner off, replace the belt and put the tensioner back on.