Need new Front Strut(s) & Control Arm. My Options?
 

Hello All,

Here is the low down. Plan to keep the vehicle for about 6-8 more months before trading her in. Shes just getting old and I can feel her falling apart. 2004. 90k miles- Manual-

I noticed a knocking/ rumbling sound at low speeds ( just cant hear it at high speeds over engine/road noise Im guessing) from the front left side ( drivers). ( ive hammered some pot holes latley, love northeast spring roads)

Brought it have it looked at, i was told I need new front struts and control arms. I was with the mechanic and was able to look under the car. The right side looked pretty decent, gives good resistance when pushed on, doesn't move around when played with up on the lift.

The right side however looked pretty rough. The ball joint on the control arm seemed out a bit and the strut just bounces up and down.

The mechanic did not seem to excited about only replacing one side. Noting it would throw off the symmetry, stress one side more than the other etc etc.

However based on the fact that I plan to get rid of this car can I not get away with only replacing the one side. Additionally what are my cheapest options.

I was told 600$ to replace the 2 struts (including labor) and then 240$ a piece for the control arm ( no labor) This seem excessive.

Basically. (cliffs)
1. Can i just replace the driver side strut and control arm
2. Where is the cheapest place to get these pieces. ( you guys are generally amazing at finding parts, where as I am not)

Thank you Much


Fast Edit:
Some searching is leading me to belive the control arm is sold in 2 pieces? upper and lower? The mechanic claimed it was one unit. I is confused :Wconfused

How are these parts looking?

Control Arm http://partsgroup.com/store.aspx?cat...pension&Page=0

Struts http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/...ek+Google+Base

2 struts should be more like $450 with labor. Where did you bring it (dealership or local)? Those parts look good. I'd look for used oem parts on this forum if you can since they only need to last a relatively short amount of time. Try putting up an add in your regional forum to see if you can get some hits on parts.

I brought it somewhere local, will not be bringing it their to be fixed. I guess my game plan is to buy the parts that I provided links to above.

1 new upper control arm and then then 2 new struts. If a strut is only 80$, I wont cheap out and only get the one.

Does anyone know if those parts come with all the proper hardware? I dont know what screws or bolts etc are required.

The parts come with the required hardware, or you can reuse the hardware that comes off of the car.

I just took off all four of my struts (to put on some Bilsteins), they have like 56k on them, but the fronts are still good, I think. If you're interested let me know and I can send pics etc.