Re: Audi tools for the poor...

[Robert F Phillips <r3rfp@dax.cc.uakron.edu>]

On Mon, 16 Jan 1995, steve powers wrote:

> I'm now well into the suspension upgrade process. I have removed
> all of the struts, control arms and tie rod ends. I will be
> replacing not only all of the above, but the ball joints and
> wheel bearings as well.
> 
> I am looking for suggestions to a visit to the auto machine shop.
> The one I've used in the past has quoted:
> 
>     control arm bushing R&R - hourly rate (8 bushings)
>     wheel bearing R&R - $36 per wheel
>     strut R&R - $28 per strut
> 
> I'm going to rent a spring compressor (~$10 per day), but I'm
> somewhat reluctant to munge a control arm trying to get a rusted
> in bushing removed. Likewise with the wheel bearings 
 I have done the struts and shocks on my 87 4000S with no previous 
experience with the like and completed the job with "simple hand tools" 
plus the spring compressor and a bench vise.  It took about 6 hours with 
a lot of running around, realistically only about 4.5hours.  I highly 
recommend doing it yourself.  Despite the shadows of doom surrounding 
spring compressors, if you use your head they are very quick and safe.  
Take off the control arms and have them pressed by a shop.  The cost 
should be minimal.  Have the bearings pressed while you have the struts 
off the car for cartridges.  I have had the control arm bush. done twice 
in two years, but ever done it myself.  Glad to go into details (ugly) 
about the strut R&R if you please.  Let me know.
                         ---Bob
			r3rfp@dax.cc.uakron.edu