A grand for shock/strut replacement LABOR ONLY?

[zookie]

With me bringing the parts (because the shop told me to in order to avoid markup) I was quoted right at $1000 to install new control arms, shocks/struts/springs front and rear.

I'll probably go get another quote but even if someone told me the job is $600 I'd probably be looking to do it myself. I have the tools, access to a two-post lift (same one in video below if I'm not mistaken), and some know-how.

So now I'm trying to learn whether I can do this job and I'm hoping others can give me some thoughts from experience.

I found this which is not for the B8.5 and so I don't know how much is different between the B6/7 and the B8/8.5 in this area. From the video the rear looks pretty simple but the shop quoted three hours for the rear. Given that he is running B8 shocks on his B7 car I'm guessing its not tremendously different all the way around but I thought I'd ask here since some of you have done this job. If the rear is as easy as it looks I could maybe just get a quote to have the fronts done if they are a big deal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrH9ORsRMrM


Any major gotchas to this work? I have not done a multi-link suspension but I have done standard strut type like what is on all GM SUVs all the way around.

[theweebabyseamus]

Book time on the CA's by themselves is over 5 hours so I'm not entirely surprised. Even though they're in the same area there's not a ton of overlap on the jobs that would save you money.

That being said, none of it is that difficult. A little time consuming, but not bad. Especially with a lift and tools.

[B8S4inKC]

I got the exact same quote, but it included $200 for alignment, which if I remember right you need to wait until the new suspension settles to align anyways?

As luck would have it a guy I work with builds/races dirt track cars and said he would help me out with everything and has the tools/space. Now just have to decide on a set up


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[03redgti]

super easy job..basic tools and jack stands. read up some DIY's

[Jk79]

Honestly $1k isn’t surprising. Not super hard but definitely time consuming. You are paying for someone’s expertise and time. Just like anything else you can save a lot of money doing it yourself. Here is another video for the b8 that gives a pretty good overview of what it takes to do the fronts.

https://youtu.be/_NySIblxcB4

[Fresh.S4]

super easy job..basic tools and jack stands. read up some DIY's

This.
I took apart my front control arms with suspension in about 4-5hrs total.

[zookie]

Honestly $1k isn’t surprising. Not super hard but definitely time consuming. You are paying for someone’s expertise and time. Just like anything else you can save a lot of money doing it yourself. Here is another video for the b8 that gives a pretty good overview of what it takes to do the fronts.

https://youtu.be/_NySIblxcB4

Thanks for the video! Didn't know I'd need (or want at least) a strut spreader. I'm pretty sure I'm going to tackle this job. I'm willing to spend hobby time working through this as opposed to dropping a grand to have it done (most of which is not going to the tech).

Some comments are equally beneficial. Looks like dropping the rear subframe makes that rear spring a much easier process.

[zookie]

This.
I took apart my front control arms with suspension in about 4-5hrs total.

Nice, thanks! It will take me longer than this but that's ok. Least I have an idea what it can take.

Did you do the lower arms as well (like the 034 kit, https://store.034motorsport.com/dens...-s5-rs5.html)? Seems like more arms in the kit than I'm seeing get replaced or even touched in these videos but I'll have to figure that or find some DIY/videos.

[Fresh.S4]

No, if youre not mechanically challenged it should take just about that much time. I've never done any suspension work like that before and I still managed to get everything swapped (even without any spreader/ specialty tools) just basic wrench/ sockets, rubber mallet. And yes that DAP AUTO video!

[theweebabyseamus]

Nice part about the CA’s, at least, is if you DID get buried and take longer than expected you can call it a day on just the one side and come back and tackle the other side a different day.

[zookie]

Nice. That could happen. The lift is at a buddy's house and he has extra cars. I've never needed to yet but I can't imagine he'd mind my borrowing a car to get some rest and come back the next day. I should have done this during a title fight (vendor shipped wrong parts) when installing Hotchkis on my wife's SUV but instead i just worked through it.

[zookie]

So on these CA do I need this whole kit or just parts of it? The kit isn't cheap but if its the right thing to do it's fine. Just wasn't sure if everyone was replacing all of these parts or if its really certain pieces that have bushings go out
https://store.034motorsport.com/dens...a5-s5-rs5.html

[theweebabyseamus]

I mean, do you actually need CA’s? People usually replace them when theirs fail. Lol

[zookie]

Good question/point. If it wasn't snowing I'd go take off a wheel and have a look but I hardly have words to describe how terrible the car's handling has become and quite quickly. Until I get in there I'm just imagining anything but lack the experience to know for sure until I can see it.

The shocks/struts/springs are a given (and possibly most of it as those I can feel) but I'm reading that many, many people have bushings in the control arms go out with higher mileage (mine is about 114k) so I'm just trying to not do this job over and over. The logistics of using my not close-by lift, etc are more of the problem than anything.

Guess the right answer here is to take off a wheel and have a look.

[theweebabyseamus]

Oh, yeah, replace them all. You found the 034 kit. Meyle also has a set for around the same price.

[zookie]

Is it crazy talk to just replace the bushings and not the entire CA?

https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_S4...sion/Bushings/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPbL9HTHZg0

[rustyrizzo]

Is it crazy talk to just replace the bushings and not the entire CA?

https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_S4...sion/Bushings/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPbL9HTHZg0

I’m curious about this, I was told that my bushings are all pretty much done and I was looking into replacing the whole control arm uppers and lowers. I was looking at the 034 full control arm kit but if I can get away with just changing out the bushings is this a good way to go?


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[zookie]

Just FYI. Another thread worth reading if you are considering bushings vs all new CA.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...e-the-bushings

[Tmac!]

I got lucky, only paid $380 with an alignment. Wasn't worth to even try doing it myself.

[zookie]

Wow. A shop or tech on the side? Either way a congrats is order. Ordering parts today and unfortunately I will likely be the tech.

It’s cool, excuse to by new tools.


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[Tmac!]

Wow. A shop or tech on the side? Either way a congrats is order. Ordering parts today and unfortunately I will likely be the tech.

It’s cool, excuse to by new tools.


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Local shop, I was surprised to say the least. 3 labor hours. 😯