one of my front wheels, on my 98' A4, has excessive play....I believe both control arms need to be replaced in this case (upper and lower) Looking for a mechanic within the Silver Spring, MD area, who can do the job at a reasonable price

~/r

 

Control arms are a pretty basic job. You can't get a mechanic recommendation from a family member or friend?

 

Pretty basic???? I don't feel that it is basic. I'm mechanically inclined and not afraid to fix something but control arms are a pain in the ***. The tools are pretty basic but once you run into the Pinch Bolt problem it becomes a headache. The other problem is time, doing this yourself takes a lot of it, at least the first side does.

Basic is a tire change, basic is an oil change, control arms I would rate intermediate at least.

 

I'm talking basic for a mechanic, not basic as in your mother-in-law should do it herself.

I still wouldn't rate it that hard for a backyard mechanic, though there are certainly easier cars to replace control arms on. Like anything else, just make sure you read up on it beforehand and make sure you have all the tools before you start. If you think you might need a tool - you will. Buy it.

However, my point was that he doesn't need to seek out the greatest mechanic in the area. He just needs one that's reasonably experienced and, more importantly, trustworthy. Hence the recommendation for him to ask friends/family for references. You can tell the mechanic that you were referred by the person if the mechanic knows the person well enough.

 

your explanation left a bit to be desired, I'm glad you cleared it up. I agree it should be an easy job for a mechanic to do. If you want to save more money buy a control arm kit and see if the mechanic will install it, some will and some won't.

 

Personally, I'll only use suspension stuff from Moog, Spicer/Raybestos Professional Grade, or XRF (though I don't know if XRF has anything for these cars, but I put some of their tie rod ends on my truck and I'm very satisfied).

I don't know what brands those kits come in, but I wouldn't stray from those brands.

 

I picked up an OCAP kit from Blauparts.com and have had no issues......

 

I am not familiar with that brand. They might be good, but I can't say I'm tempted to sway when I know the ones I've listed are good. (Perhaps it's the other way for you, and hopefully for you it's a good brand as well.)

Edit: I decided to look them up. Seems like a possible option to keep in mind. Thanks.

 

@dragonrage , @ObnoxiousDrunk thanks for the responses. The few mechanics that i have visited want to charge between $700 - $1000 In my opinion those a dealer prices..granted this is not a basic job but still :-/ Also good to know that i don't have to go a German car specific shop...

 

Well, to change them all is not a 5 minute job. I would ask them where they intend to get their parts first. I looked into it a little and Febi seems like it might be a good brand to go with.

Definitely don't use OEM parts. You'll want a mechanic who will be able to get/use a higher quality aftermarket part like Febi. But given that the parts cost $500ish, I don't think you're going to do too much better than the price you were quoted.