road trip on a budget?

**burner799** · 10-23-2008 01:10 AM

I have limited funds...can't find a job. Have to drive my a4 about 500 miles one way then 500 miles back. I have 2 ripped front cv boots, and 1 control arm thats slightly bent. do you guys think i'll make it there and back?

**TverRus69** · 10-23-2008 01:40 AM

You'll make it there and back for sure - its the car thats questionable haha.
Honestly i say you'll make it, if the control arm isn't in too bad of a condition and the CV boots don't get destroyed... I doubt you'll be going off roading and driving through deserts. My joints are starting to click... can't wait till the wheel finally flies off...

**Oranoco** · 10-23-2008 01:57 AM

why not sort the car first? Neither repairs are costly and if you diy it they are cheap as chips. Saves a load of worry and potential damage to the car. If the CV joints are split the grease will spin out the hole (centrifugal force) this grease not only gets everywhere but leaves the CV joint dry.

**TverRus69** · 10-23-2008 02:05 AM

its like seeing how far you can go on a gas tank. You see its on "E" but try to see how many more miles you can get out of it. Honestly all jokes aside, I have to agree with Oranoco. Its all cheap repairs that can lead to expensive problems and possible (knock on wood) safety issues. If you simply must, do it, but otherwise take care of it first

**CaSp3r9** · 10-23-2008 02:31 AM

CV boots are like $25-$30 a piece and replacing a control arm is almost as easy as changing your oil. Personally, I wouldn't even consider leaving for a 1000 mile road trip without taking care of them first. All of the grease will eventually find its way out of the boots on the drive, not only making a huge mess but drying up your CV joints which will ruin them. Thus, creating an even bigger problem potentially hundreds of miles from home...

As for the bent control arm, how bad is the bend? You do have two of them per side but then again, they are key components in steering/suspension. A friend of mine had a control arm snap on the highway, his car ended up sliding to a halt on the frame with the wheel damn near through his fender.

My $0.02: Ignoring small problems = much bigger problems + safety risk to you and those around you. They're relatively inexpensive and easy fixes, git er done before you leave!

**Bic-Ball** · 10-23-2008 02:44 AM

bent control arms lead to bad things
http://zeroproof.com/bicball/031207_15351.jpg

**GetBoosted84** · 10-23-2008 05:24 AM

Originally Posted by Bic-Ball

bent control arms lead to bad things
http://zeroproof.com/bicball/031207_15351.jpg

/\ That would blow! IMO get your car fixed first.

**dmott11** · 10-23-2008 06:48 AM

I would definetly replace the parts while its still a small job. could get alot worse, alot farther from home

**burner799** · 10-23-2008 08:38 AM

bent control arm isn't really noticeable unless you lift the car. I have replaced one cv boot, but am having problems with the outer clamp staying on...I am not going to do control arms by myself and parts + labor will be like 450 bucks.

**jrock** · 10-23-2008 09:50 AM

I have been drivin on ripped cv boots for the last 10,000 miles so you should be good.

**Vreihenmotor6** · 10-23-2008 10:26 AM

the bent control arm scares me slightly, seeing as they are cast aluminum and they loose a good deal of their strength when deformed

**prey** · 10-23-2008 10:37 AM

nah nothing is gonna happen, just make ur trip, go like 65 the whole way without beating on it..

**burner799** · 10-23-2008 07:52 PM

ya hopefully it's all good. I don't have any clunking or anything and the car drives strait, tires wear evenly. no clicking of the cv joints. Just used to stuff breaking so often that I'm nervous to be stranded which is a major pain in the ass considering I still make payments on this car : ( plan on going 70 the whole way down to get uber good gas mileage.