Front Control Arm Bushing Leak

[pannkake]

I just noticed that my front right control arm had oil under the big bushing. I have 50k miles on my Mazda5. Is this a common failure, or am I just unlucky? It looks pretty easy to replace the control arm. Any hints?

 

[Robotazky]

The control arms don't have sealed, lubed parts. Bushings don't "leak". Assuming it is a suspension part that has leaked, it will either be the CV joint boots on either end of the half axles, or the tie rod ends. Personally, I cannot imagine thick gear lube-grade lubricants pooling to indicate a leak, which is what it sounds like you're describing.

I would first guess that an oil change pooled oil on the control arm and it's dripping. If that's ruled out, I'd look at the differential where the axles join the transmission for leaks. If those aren't the problem come back with more details and let's dig deeper.

 

[Rocket]

Front strut leak? Blown motor mount?

 

[pannkake]

Well, I thought it was oil filled based on the factory manual that is floating around the net. See attached picture.

 

[Robotazky]

Oh wow, I stand corrected. I've never seen one like that before. I would hope that such a relatively sophisticated bushing could be replaced fairly easily in the event of failure.

 

[07MZ5SA]

VW has special fluid filled bushing on some of the rear suspensions.

 

[Robotazky]

VW has special fluid filled bushing on some of the rear suspensions.

Are you talking about the ones responsible for the passive rear wheel steering?

 

[flcruising]

It looks like you can/should replace the whole LCA, not just the bushing.

Fairly inexpensive...http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php?carcode=1441857&parttype=10401

 

[pannkake]

Here's a follow up:

I bought a Mazda replacement LCA with the bushings and ball joint and installed it yesterday. It was about a 2 1/2 hour job, including finding my tools and cleaning up. This was the right side, so I had to remove the lower back motor mount bolt and rock the engine forward to get one of the LCA bolts out. Overall, a fairly easy job. I don't notice any difference in how the car drives - but the point of preventative maintenance is to catch problems while they're small.

 

[jkinkead]

I have the same problem with my 2008 Mazda 5. You mention in your update that you had to "rock the engine forward to get one of the LCA bolts out." Could you give me a bit more detail about how you moved the engine forward---did you use a jack or just push with your hand?

Thanks

 

[pannkake]

Hi, it's been awhile, but I think I moved the engine with my hand, foot, or a big screwdriver. I remember it requiring a bit of muscle.