Control Arms and tie rod

[Miagi]

Hello
I have a 2003 996 that needs control arms and tie rods. the shop I deal with told me with an alignment it would be $1900. anyone in Austin that has an opinion or do it yourself tips? I find that to be ludicrous, but maybe it's me?
Miagi

[KNS]

For a quick reference call around to a couple Porsche garages and dealers and ask them what they charge.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Miagi

Hello
I have a 2003 996 that needs control arms and tie rods. the shop I deal with told me with an alignment it would be $1900. anyone in Austin that has an opinion or do it yourself tips? I find that to be ludicrous, but maybe it's me?
Miagi

Actually, it is not that much out of line if they are using Porsche OEM parts. With even aftermarket units retailing at nearly $300 per, just the parts alone are going to start to run up a substantial amount pretty quickly, before you add in labor. I just ran an estimate on the control arms only on a commonly used repair estimate software package, and it kicked out $868 using aftermarket parts. Tie rod ends (aftermarket) added another $200 in parts plus additional labor. Throw in another $200 for a quality alignment and it starts to add up.

They may be slightly high, but not by an whole lot.

[bcrdukes]

JFP in PA,

Assuming the vehicle in question would be a daily driver with light track duty (light being once or twice a year) would it be wise to pony up the extra dough to go with OEM parts? Or are there aftermarket parts just as good, if not, better?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

JFP in PA,

Assuming the vehicle in question would be a daily driver with light track duty (light being once or twice a year) would it be wise to pony up the extra dough to go with OEM parts? Or are there aftermarket parts just as good, if not, better?

There are two kinds of aftermarket replacements, OEM style and racing. The racing units often are both stronger and more adjustable, but are also significantly more expensive than even the OEM units. The OEM style aftermarket units are pretty good, particularly the name brands like TRW.