Upper control arm problem

[spectroff]

I'm told my upper control arm is going. They are saying 180 for part and 80 labor.
Has anyone replaced this themselves? Is it hard to do / any special recomendations.
I was probably going to go OEM, but any aftermarket recomendations?
Also would this going explain some "play" in my steering wheel?
Thanks all.

[Proven Guilty]

that's not a bad price if its replacing the entire control arm to be honest. it's not often the uppers go bad, but typically the lower rear control arm bushings go bad (in which LPD auto of los angeles california makes a eurethane replacement).

play in the wheel could be related to tierods/ends, -centerlink, and steering shock (dampner). Inspect all parts, and its best to check them with the front end just barely raised (not quite dangling like on a lift, but not flat on the ground either). this is how i notice play in tierods and balljoints best when there is still some load on the suspension.

while i'm not a professional, that's always been my approach. i hope it helps!