RE: My 86 4000 CS Quattro

["Hare,Stott (X)" <HAREST@allenbrook.iix.com>]

This seems out of line.  Replacing parts in the rear can be expensive if you
don't know where to get your parts.  I would suggest that get your parts
from The Parts Connections and mention the Quattro List for an additional
discount.  But most shops make there profit off of parts.  They buy them,
mark them up, and you take the price hit.  So you'll understand why your
mechanic may not be willing to use the parts you supply.

An idea on prices:
rear balljoints ~$45 ea
front balljoints ~$25 ea
rear tie rods ~$90 ea (otherwise >$120 ea...)
front tie rods ~$40 ea
rear wheel bearings ~$40 ea + presswork
front wheel bearings ~$30 ea + presswork
control arm bushings ~$8 ea (x8) + presswork
upper strut bearings ~$22 ea (x4 blue)
strut inserts ~$70 ea (x4 Boge Turbo Gas)

So if you were to buy all the above parts: $972
and do the presswork: ~$160
and pay the labor: 8hrs at $50/hr = $400
and have it 4 wheel aligned: ~$70
then I see a worst case scenario being something around $1602

This is total overkill, and would get you a car that feels and handles like
new.  And comes in cheaper than their original quote.

I don't know why they would need to replace both strut housings.  Perhaps if
they were physically bent, but how did you bent both and not notice it??
These are beefy items, and the control arms are designed to take the damage
first....  If you had a bad wheel bearing, then you might require a hub, but
you shouldn't need any struts!  Several listers or list recommended vendors
should be able to supply a set of used rear struts for ~$100.

Where are you located?  Perhaps people could recommend a better mechanic.

HTH,
-S

Stott Hare
85 Callaway 4ktq
84 4ktq (MC conversion in progress) 
-----Original Message-----
From: Greg Wolters [mailto:GJWArch@95959.com]
Sent: Monday, July 12, 1999 8:11 PM
To: quattro@audifans.com
Subject: My 86 4000 CS Quattro
Importance: High


Hi group!

I'm the guy who asked about my front CV joint and my car not tracking
properly.  I appreciate the responses.

Unknown to me at that time, my CV joint is fine... all it needs is a new
boot.  I'm planning to have all 4 done at once.

Now for the bad news.  When I went to see the mechanic he showed me the
left rear wheel, the front of which pointed away from the front of the
car. The car has been to an alignment shop which discussed to problem
with my mechanic.  I just received the related costs and as soon as I
picked myself off the floor I thought I'd share it with you out there in
Audi land.

I apparently need (2) rear strut housings, tie rods, front and rear ball
joints.
The cost for parts is $1450.00.  The total price with $420.00 labor, a 4
wheel alignment and tax is $2070.00.

My car is a 1986 4000 CS Quattro with 152,000 miles.  Is this something
"normal" for an Audi this age?  Does the price seem reasonable?  The
mechanic does not want to use used or rebuilt parts because he feels we
are dealing with critical safety components of the car.  I wonder if
rebuilt would be fine, given that I don't expect to put another 150,000
miles on the car, as much as I love driving it!

Thank you all.  I plan to have a meeting tomorrow, July 13, with the
mechanic to discuss.

Greg