Lower Control Arm Bushings Torn

[zemlinrt]

I'd say on both bushings there's a vertical tear about 1cm long. Should I have them replaced or could I wait until one of them total gives out?

How much wear and tear can a bushing take before it needs replacing?

I would also like to get an alignment check and if an alignment is needed, would they need to be replaced?

(2002 Protege LX)

Thanks

 

[red95_240sx]

is replacing the control arm something that can be done at home? how hard is it to separate the ball joint?

 

[Chawk]

it can be somewhat dificult. if you are talking about gettting the ball joint out of the steering knuckle then a little force from a hammer will work for me. if you want to remove the ball joint from the control arm to replace it then you will need a special press tool. (if the ball joint is even replaceable which i do not know)

 

[red95_240sx]

i have a new complete arm. i almost started to do it yesterday, but i decided to w8. all i have is a floor jack. im gonna try breaking all the bolts loose before i jack it.

 

[Chawk]

probably a good idea, but all you really need is a breaker bar, with a 3 foot steel pipe for leverage. I have found that I use my 3 foot steel pipe more than any other tool

 

[red95_240sx]

godda lug thing with a wedge on the end thats for prying tires. not 3ft of leverage

 

[Chawk]

i go with the 3 footer every time

 

[red95_240sx]

im stuck at the balljoint. !!!!!!!!

 

[Chawk]

i just took a peice of pipe, and put it as closest to the ball joint where i could get leverage (on the control arm) , and pounded on the end of the pipe with a hammer, and it came loose, you may find that it is easier to knock the ball joint loose before taking off the 3 bolts holding it onto the frame.

 

[red95_240sx]

ok. so it is cool to break the ball joint first?

 

[red95_240sx]

the bushing mount at my thumb is still on snug, and the one at my pinky is completely loose, so i can start pounding?

 

[red95_240sx]

Faill

 

[red95_240sx]

hell yea that bolt was the cullprit. the balljoint wastn s*** neither. this is fixing to be the fastest control arm instal ever now.