Control arm bushing replacement

[tmadmsp]

I've had a clunk in the front end for a while now and though it was from my sway bar end links. Crawled under there today and noticed a lot of play and clunk coming from the control arm bushing. I'm wondering if anyone has replaced one and can offer any tips? And is it possible to just replace the bushing and not have to replace the entire control arm?

 

[littlemimus]

from what i was told at midas a while back you gotta change the entire control arm

 

[Preferio]

No, you don't have to change the entire control arm... However, I would. It's a b**** to do even with a press and an air chisel. O'Reilly Auto Parts sales their second line for about $100 a piece and it takes 15 minutes per side to replace the entire arm. But, you're clunk is probably coming from the SWAY BAR BUSHINGS, not the LCA. If you see witness marks, then it's probably your LCA bushings, but unlikely.

 

[tmadmsp]

I'm going to replace the whole control arm, I'd rather spend a little more money and save some stress! Im 99% positive its the control arm bushing because i can lay under the car and have someone rock the passenger side wheel back and forth and i can see the play in the bushing and hear the noise I hear when im in the car.

 

[mazdaspeeeeed]

dont waste money on a new control arm!

I just had the same problem. Go to NAPA

bushing = $20
having them swap the bushing out for you = $15

all you have to do is take of the LCA and take it to them, then an hour later put it back on...

done deal. Just dont cross thread the bolt putting it back in like i did haha

 

[tmadmsp]

I'm sold going to call napa tom so I can hopefully drop off the lca when I go to pickup the bushing.. fix my stretched parking brake cable and I should be back to new!