Control Arms on 2006 E-350
 

Car was making a rubbing sound occasionally coming from the left front. I apparently ran over something to tear the boot on one of my control arms according to my indie. He suggests changing both out. What am I looking at DIY versus paying indie? 141 k on the dial. Part numbers are
211-330-49-11
211-330-50-11

Indie quoted $800

I would also like to know what vacuum pumps you use to extract oil from the vehicle for oil changes.

Thanks

45 euros a piece.

rent a garage.

costs u 200 dollars in total

There are also rear control arms. The ones in your post are the forward arms. Are you sure it's not both?
See this for an easy change: He did the bushings, but you get the idea.
I have used a Pella extractor for my oil changes, not sure if you have a dipstick though. I got the same quote , $811 for all 4 control arms. I'll do it myself and save half on labor.

Thanks for the replies. The video was very helpful. I've got 141k on the dial, should I change the complete arms or just the bushings? I guess I won't really know until I loosen the arms up to check the ball joints.

I do have a dipstick on the rear of the motor. Thanks for the name of the pump.

The complete arm because I am sure the ball joints are no good. Replace the whole thing and be done with it. Changing the bushing is a much harder job.

Thanks F1Fan. Makes sense.

I went ahead and put the complete control arms on both sides. However, I believe the wheel bearing on the left front axel is making the noise I heard. I heard it since I put the control arms on. I saw a post about replacing the bearings on here but can't find it with the search. There was a discussion about putting the bearing in with the magnetic side inside to keep from getting codes.
Anybody got a link, I'd appreciate it.

I would bet that it is tire noise, not bearing noise.
Mike T.

Mike T. what would make the tire make a noise like a scrunching sound. It doesn't happen all the time.

In my experience, it seems the W211 is sensitive to tire noise. New tires tend to mask the noise while the rubber is still fresh. Then after a year or two, the noise gets louder and louder. Having said that, new wheel bearings will make the ride quieter. At 141k, it cannot hurt to replace the front wheel bearings. There is a real good video on youtube on replacing the front wheel bearing.

Thanks F1Fan. That may be where I saw the video instead of on here.

Coming home last night, I noticed that the steering was a little stiffer than usual at low speed. I usually back into my garage and when I turned the wheel I heard the noise that I thought was the bearing. Just sitting still and turning the wheel right to left to the limit I can hear the sound. It seems like it could be steering related. My ABS light came on also with a "headlight not available" warning. I have no clue what it is now? Any help is appreciated.