replacing control arms and all that
 

okay, so here I am on my journey to get my car in perfect shape. I just got it registered today and took it for inspection, and I have to admit that I was surprised to find that the only thing wrong it with is the upper left control arm and 2 outer tie rods, and a wiper. I was expecting this since I could feel the suspension play when going over bumps at low speeds. The shop gave me a ridiculous quote, about 340 bucks just for those 3 parts + 140 for labor. I was thinking that since I'm redoing the left control arm, I might as well do the right one too. I went on ebay to see how much these parts cost and I found 13 piece kits, with all lower and upper, left and right control arms, sway bar links, etc, for about 250 bucks, 300 bucks and 650 bucks. The 650 bucks is manufactured by meyle (oem), a german manufacturer, the 300 bucks kit is also oem and the 250 is not oem, but it is stated that it exceeds oem specifications and it also has a 1 year warranty.

now my question is, how relevant is the price difference between these kits with respect to quality? below are the links to those kits. thank you for your responses.

(to let you guys know, I just bought a 2000 a4 1.8t, silver, 70k miles, pristine cosmetic condition, driven in North Carolina and Maryland, for just $6200. I think it's a helluva deal)

250$
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-...Q5fAccessories

300$
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-A...Q5fAccessories

650$
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-A...Q5fAccessories


Thanks a whole lot

I dont know if anyone else will agree seeing its ebay, but i actualy went with the cheapest one with hardware included. the upgraded control arm design. I like FCP. I have bought a few items from them, being in canada, no one comes close to some of the prices on SOME items. I got the whole kit same situation as you was cheaper buying the whole package. They have worked out great for me, the feel of the car change, steering felt tighter more stable. my tie rod was gone and the old ball joint had actually punched right through the metal. I would recommend but then again im sure someone here has also bought it who can say good things or bad.
I would recommend them i haven't had any problems as of yet, but then again i have had them for 6 months and only put 3000 KM on the car since.

I too have had a good experience with Groton FCP, but at that time, I was buying parts for my 1988 SAAB 900.

I purchased this kit - it's FEBI brand - $511 shipped

EBAY LINK

i got the FCP too...i had it replaced last summer and still good. its having the right ppl that you hire to do the job done right.

I have the $250 kit from FCP sitting in my House right now....... I had intended to have it all fitted up as I got the parts before X-mas, but its been that cold I have decided to wait until it warms up a little....... I actually work for a Rubber to Metal bonding company and I have to say the finish of the parts i received is excellent, although I can't comment on longevity but from some of the comments above, they seem to be working out great....

$375
http://www.034motorsport.com/product...ducts_id=13856

but I'd call to order and ask about a hardware kit.... You're going to want to replace all of those bolts because they're a PAIN IN THE ASS to get out, and you'll damage them most likely.

ya febi is the way to go. you might want to source out a pair of spindles just in case. the pinch bolt is the devil. yes, the devil

lol, that'd be a lot of money to spend "just in case".

Ya that bolt sucks! Just heat the fucker up and pound the bastard out with a 10lb dead blow. I ran into a case where who ever did them last put the pinch bolt in backwards but then you just have to snap the head off the knuckle and procede as above. Recommend doing both uppers at the same time using heat destroys the rubber boot for the ball joints.

The job only takes about 45 minutes. Really only only 7 bolts involved not including the tire.