I installed the Lower Tie Bar Stage 2 like a year ago, and now I am noticing metal to metal noises, mainly when I brake, take a turn, or accelerate from stop. Matt said that not changing the bushing to energy suspension bushing might lead to a control arm failure. I check out the bushing on my car right now and the rear (larger bushing, like this ) of the control arm seems to have a crack on one of the inner corner. (the large bushing looking it staright on is sorta like a half circle. so a curve with two corners). The point of this thread is, what are the cons of having a control arm failure dure to the bushing? Safety hazard? Suspension hazard? etc?

Sorry if it is a bit confusing.
Thank you in advance.


Allen

 

Because you have a 1996, there is a good chance your bushings are worn (especially the metal sleeves--they rust out). Your ball joints may also be worn as well. If I were you, I would seriously consider new control arms or ES bushings and new ball joints.

As for the noise, if the front nut isn't really torqued down, the brace will make metal to metal noises. I had trouble tightening it down at first because I couldn't get an impact wrench socket to fit in the brace surround. Ended up buying a regular socket for it and using the impact wrench on it.