How to Replace a Control Arm Bushing - The Correct Way
These days we really have to make sure that we are not throwing good money after bad.
Your car needs good snug bushings for a safe, comfortable ride, but when they are worn, what do you really need to replace, and how much should it cost you? I get regular emails from people who have been told by their dealer that it is not possible to replace just the bushings.
They are told firstly, that the whole arm, including the bushings, has to be replaced with a complete new factory part.
If this isn't enough, it is then explained to them that one can't change the arm on one side of the car only.
Both sides have to be replaced simultaneously..
What does this all cost? I can leave it to your imagination! Now which part of this is founded in real honest to goodness fact, and which isn't? Let me get one thing straight from the word go..
...
unless the arm itself is damaged, perhaps as the result of an accident, there is no need to replace it.
If it is the bushings that are worn, it is the bushings that need to be replaced, and only the bushings.
True the bushings need to be replaced on both sides simultaneously, but again, that means just the bushings, not the whole arm! So why do we get told this? The reason very likely is that the dealer is committed to using only original OEM parts in their repair shop.
Fair enough, if that is their policy then fine, but the problem is that in most cases, the manufacturer does not offer replacement OEM bushings for sale as independent items.
You buy the whole arm or nothing.
Take it or leave it! As a result you end up paying a small fortune for new bushings because you have to buy and replace two whole new control arms just to get the bushings.
So what is the solution? Aftermarket bushings! It's as simple as that.
A great variety of class bushings are available and, what is even better news, is that they are available in new hi-tech polyurethane which will not deteriorate and break down in a few short years, as will the old style rubber bushings.
The cost of quality polyurethane replacement bushings is not large.
In fact it's only a fraction of what the new arms will cost, and they can be replaced by any decent mechanic, and in many cases by savvy DIY owners, working from their own home workshop.
One caveat though, do not attempt the job unless you are sure that you have the experience and the necessary tools to do it.
Your car needs good snug bushings for a safe, comfortable ride, but when they are worn, what do you really need to replace, and how much should it cost you? I get regular emails from people who have been told by their dealer that it is not possible to replace just the bushings.
They are told firstly, that the whole arm, including the bushings, has to be replaced with a complete new factory part.
If this isn't enough, it is then explained to them that one can't change the arm on one side of the car only.
Both sides have to be replaced simultaneously..
What does this all cost? I can leave it to your imagination! Now which part of this is founded in real honest to goodness fact, and which isn't? Let me get one thing straight from the word go..
...
unless the arm itself is damaged, perhaps as the result of an accident, there is no need to replace it.
If it is the bushings that are worn, it is the bushings that need to be replaced, and only the bushings.
True the bushings need to be replaced on both sides simultaneously, but again, that means just the bushings, not the whole arm! So why do we get told this? The reason very likely is that the dealer is committed to using only original OEM parts in their repair shop.
Fair enough, if that is their policy then fine, but the problem is that in most cases, the manufacturer does not offer replacement OEM bushings for sale as independent items.
You buy the whole arm or nothing.
Take it or leave it! As a result you end up paying a small fortune for new bushings because you have to buy and replace two whole new control arms just to get the bushings.
So what is the solution? Aftermarket bushings! It's as simple as that.
A great variety of class bushings are available and, what is even better news, is that they are available in new hi-tech polyurethane which will not deteriorate and break down in a few short years, as will the old style rubber bushings.
The cost of quality polyurethane replacement bushings is not large.
In fact it's only a fraction of what the new arms will cost, and they can be replaced by any decent mechanic, and in many cases by savvy DIY owners, working from their own home workshop.
One caveat though, do not attempt the job unless you are sure that you have the experience and the necessary tools to do it.
Source...