Should I replace these suspension parts

[aerowise]

I took my 2002 to my mechanic who is quite good, (he replaced my clutch and brakes this year) but I had an odd tire wear issue so I wanted his opinion. My left front tire was wearing down quite fast just on the outside edge. I learned from this forum that it could be a bent lower control arm problem.

He inspected it and the control arm seemed to be fine but there were a lot of worn out bushings throughout the front end. I left and he was going to do some research about getting parts, possibly replacement parts with bushings included since it might be a problem pulling stuff off to replace bushings and having trouble getting the old stuff back on.

So I heard back from him and here is what he wants to replace:

control arms

ball joints

sway bar link bushings

sway bar bushings

thrust rod bushings

for a total of 855.70 (including parts, labor, tax)

I thought this seemed a little high $. What do you guys think?

And what kind of improvement can I expect from these parts

[Richard]

Who did you take it to?

[eurotrash]

Sway bar parts won't have anything to do with tire wear like the other parts will. This kind of refurbishment makes a huge difference though. Ride quality, accuracy. Everything.

---> http://1leadshoe.blogspot.com/2011/08/front-end-goodies.html?m=1

[eurotrash]

Sway bar parts won't have anything to do with tire wear like the other parts will. This kind of refurbishment makes a huge difference though. Ride quality, accuracy. Everything.

[HBChris]

Those parts from BMW are at least $450 before tax or discount plus 4 hours labor and you get your quote.

[c.d.iesel]

sounds good - make a date to get it done .

[SteveJ]

I always have a tough time when I hear costs for doing jobs that I normally do myself in my garage or driveway.

But, you have to figure the cost of the parts, mark up on the parts (they gotta make a little something on them), labor cost, shop supplies, etc... It all adds up.

If you are able and willing to do it yourself, the cost of the parts is usually reduced. You will have to figure in any tools that are needed. Special tools get pricey. Then there is your time. It all adds up.

I already have most of the tools and skills to do the jobs. The more jobs I do, the more justifiable the tool purchases are. Air, specialty tools, etc... The only jobs I hate to do are the ones where I have a serious deadline/time constraint.

So, in a nutshell- cost of parts, cost of time, convienence. Does the cost of the job seem fair? I say yes, especially if you would have to go buy tools.

[lilmo]

That'a a good number. You could save 3 or 4 bills by doing it yourself, but you'll have to get a couple torque wrenches, learn about safety wire, etc.

[Colin]

Yeah it isn't hard to do yourself and you don't need to buy control arms unless yours are bent (its usually easy to tell if they are!)

The hardest part is removing the bushings. I burn them out with a propane torch. It smells, but works fast. I also like urethane bushings in place of rubber.

If you do do it yourself, make sure you get the correct hardware for the balljoint. I saw a photo on here where someone didn't use the correct grade bolts and they snapped!

[mrdew]

Whenever I see quotes like this I think two things:

first thought: omg that is a hell of a markup and I start adding it up in my head by cost of parts, markup, then labor and overhead.

Then second thought: wow I should really take side jobs more often haha

My roommate and I installed a bolt on exhaust on a new non rusted civic in a driveway for $150- $75 split. It took about an hour taking out time in a driveway using our tools, compressor, torch, etc. The owner of the car was a networking major (iirc) and the cost at which we charged was fair considering the cost of tools and gas.

We have both gone and are still in school both of us obtaining out bachelors degrees in automotive management so we understand the business side of the equation. Our first two years we were hands on, him in collision and me in mechanical and you learn every bit. I am not going to rant on about it but it was/is one of the best investments that I have made. It is one of the few schools in the country that offers a four year automotive degree.

[Cameron]

Whenever I see quotes like this I think two things:

first thought: omg that is a hell of a markup and I start adding it up in my head by cost of parts, markup, then labor and overhead.

Then second thought: wow I should really take side jobs more often haha

My roommate and I installed a bolt on exhaust on a new non rusted civic in a driveway for $150- $75 split. It took about an hour taking out time in a driveway using our tools, compressor, torch, etc. The owner of the car was a networking major (iirc) and the cost at which we charged was fair considering the cost of tools and gas.

We have both gone and are still in school both of us obtaining out bachelors degrees in automotive management so we understand the business side of the equation. Our first two years we were hands on, him in collision and me in mechanical and you learn every bit. I am not going to rant on about it but it was/is one of the best investments that I have made. It is one of the few schools in the country that offers a four year automotive degree.

sorry to thread-jack, but what school are you talking about?

[mrdew]

Pennsylvania College of Technology