lower control arm replacement

[LastSVXintheChi]

does anyone know if the lower control arms are a pain to replace? i just ask because i called for a quote to replace them and told the guy i had the parts and he quoted me $350 that seems like a lot to me considering it only looks like 5 or 6 bolts to take off and put back on...also i looked for a "how to" but didnt find one...is there?

thanks

this is for the front not the rear btw

[dragoontwo]

It doesn't look very hard or complicated. I have not done it so I can not say for sure. It will probably come down to how corroded everything in there is.

[LastSVXintheChi]

it is all covered with oil so not very rusted at all just greasy

[icingdeath88]

^ What he said. It's not very difficult as long as none of the bolts are seized.

Once you're underneath it, it's obvious enough what to do that a how-to is not really necessary. The only kinda tricky thing is getting the ball joint stud out of the knuckle.

Actually one more thing that's important is that to get to the rear bolt holding the control arm to the subframe, you have to take off a bracket that holds the subframe to the body of the car. Only take the bracket off one side at a time, in case the subframe could fall or shift without both of them on.

[LastSVXintheChi]

Originally Posted by icingdeath88

^ What he said. It's not very difficult as long as none of the bolts are seized.

Once you're underneath it, it's obvious enough what to do that a how-to is not really necessary. The only kinda tricky thing is getting the ball joint stud out of the knuckle.

Actually one more thing that's important is that to get to the rear bolt holding the control arm to the subframe, you have to take off a bracket that holds the subframe to the body of the car. Only take the bracket off one side at a time, in case the subframe could fall or shift without both of them on.

well ^ this part sounds a little scary lol
when you say one side at a time you mean drivers side and passenger side right? i was hoping to get this done all on a Sunday cus it's my daily driver.

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by LastSVXintheChi

well ^ this part sounds a little scary lol
when you say one side at a time you mean drivers side and passenger side right? i was hoping to get this done all on a Sunday cus it's my daily driver.

I don't think it would actually fall, but I'm not 100% sure, so just to be safe. Yes, I mean driver's side and passenger side.

[LastSVXintheChi]

Originally Posted by icingdeath88

I don't think it would actually fall, but I'm not 100% sure, so just to be safe. Yes, I mean driver's side and passenger side.

alright cool thats what i planned on doing anyway cus only the drivers side is bad right now so depending on how long it takes i may only do one side then next week do the other thanks for the help!

[Wikedjuggalo]

Why do you think it needs to be replaced? Its not difficult if I recall. Takes time and patience.

[LastSVXintheChi]

Originally Posted by Wikedjuggalo

Why do you think it needs to be replaced? Its not difficult if I recall. Takes time and patience.

the bushings are shot on the drivers side

[LastSVXintheChi]

so i have run into kind of an odd issue...last night i replaced the lower control arms on the car with some newer used ones until i can get the bushings in from whoever has them i drove the car last night and this morning and i still hear the same knocking noise that i did before BUT the car is driving much better (for now)...the wheel doesnt hop on shallow right handed corners anymore but it still sounds like something is hitting the bottom of the car every time i go over a bump....

i fixed what i was feeling but not what i was hearing HELP any ideas lol

[dannmarr]

Check your struts if they are leaking.

[LastSVXintheChi]

Originally Posted by dannmarr

Check your struts if they are leaking.

im pretty sure it isnt those because it is a different feeling than when the struts went bad plus i replaced them less than a year ago on the front that is...

i know the suspension in the back is getting real bad is it possible that im hearing the rear suspension?

now that would be really be something because i would have been willing to bet money that is is coming from the front


i went and checked and they look fine no fluid on them

[icingdeath88]

Strut top mounts? The front ones have a bearing that can get worn and start to rattle.

[B 4 You]

End links can rattle too. I'm replacing mine Wednesday

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by B 4 You

End links can rattle too. I'm replacing mine Wednesday

Another good suggestion. And they can be replaced for cheap too: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-FRONT-Sway...-/220445397586