Good ole indie shops. Bless their heart
 

So 3300 dollars later I have deleted my rear air suspension after my compressor went out. She hasn't rode this smooth since I got her. Also the servo motor has been replaced after it went out with the trifecta of DSC/ABS/Brake light combo came on. They recommended replacing valve gasket cover and timing cover gasket, as well as both front axle cv boots. My cousin and I are going to tackle all of these on our own. He has his own shop in his garage. I already has the driver side valve gasket cover a few months ago and I already knew the passenger side needed to be replaced. After looking for myself only the passenger side cv boot is torn and showing grease. Can't see the tear but I'm sure it's there.

Questions are where can I buy the appropriate parts for the cv boot replacement? Do I need to replace the whole half shaft as I don't know how long it's been torn? Should I go ahead and replace say bars or anything else while I'm in there? How difficult is the timing cover gasket replacement? And are there any other recommendations for preventative maintenance while I'm already in there?

She is a 2006 4.4i with 119,000 miles on her. Looking to go the cheapest route for best quality. I know that's a conundrum. Wife was ready to sell her after we dumped this much money in for just the two issues and still need more to get her right. Thanks a million guys!

Try the 30 minute cv boot replacement. Maybe a mobile mechanic can come do it at your house for cheap. If you do not show signs of a damaged cv joint (clicking while turning etc) just replace the boot. Use the money you save to pay for the other stuff.

If you are going to replace the timing cover gasket do the alternator gasket. It is right there more or less after you get that far. That is a weak point in that version of the n62.

I should have mentioned the shop also said the alternator bracket seal had a leak.

Also, on ECS Tuning I'm look at the valve cover and it says left and right, would that be in reference to looking at the car? Should I also assume I'll need left and right side timing cover gaskets?

Yes on how left and right is determined. I would go to real oem and see the break down or get the shop to clarify. Those gaskets can be big jobs so be prepared for it taking longer than expected. Might as well do your belts while you are there. Plugs are not much more time either.

As far as designation for left or right, right is always on the right side of the car whether the car is left hand drive or right hand drive and left is always on the left side of the car whether it is left hand drive or right hand drive. Sit inside the car (facing forward) and where your right hand is, that is the right side of the car and where your left hand is that is the left side of the car.

This is how right and left is determine:

Thanks for clarifying up.

Bump for more suggestions on maintenance while I'm replacing cv boot and gaskets.