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how do u know if u need new control arms??

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Old 06-28-2007, 09:12 AM
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how do u know if u need new control arms??

Was wondering cuz my max has 122k on it and was wondering?
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Old 06-28-2007, 10:02 AM
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Take a peek at the bushings and ball joints. Those are the only things that really get wear and tear. They are replaceable with aftermarket parts or you can order entire new CA's from ebay or the dealer.
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Old 06-28-2007, 10:10 AM
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If you get a loud clunking alot, if you feel a clunking it is more than likely need them.
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Old 06-28-2007, 03:25 PM
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move the control arm back and forth near the bushings, and if there is even a little play, then u prob need new ones. the bushings are probably shot too considering your car is 10 years old
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Old 06-28-2007, 03:31 PM
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Dude... sentence structure.
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Old 06-28-2007, 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by MorpheusZero
Dude... sentence structure.


lift the front end off the ground. shake the wheel (dont go too crazy) laterally and vertically. check the see where movement (if any), is coming from. get underneath it, check the bushings visually. then slide a pry bar over each bushing and apply force on the bushing to check for movement.
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Old 06-28-2007, 04:22 PM
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I was wondering about my car control arm as well. every time it hits something, it's just like solid noise like nothing dampen the darn thing. even with the dampening adjustment, still make the same noise. just wondering what else possible?. current set up S-Tech + illumina. front tires 235 45 18 and rear tires 245 45 18.
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Old 06-28-2007, 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by MorpheusZero
Dude... sentence structure.

Sorry I type on my sidekick I might miss a couple of words lol
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Old 06-28-2007, 07:02 PM
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I didn't check for play in the wheels, but i could hear/feel the clunking when i'd brake or go over bumps.
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Old 06-28-2007, 11:16 PM
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If they're bad just use energy bushings and get a some new ball joints, no need to replace the whole thing IMO. Dubbya and XjinCT provide good points.
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Old 06-29-2007, 09:13 AM
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WOuld bad control arms or the bushing cause vibration in the steering wheel? I also get vibration in the gas pedal under acceleration and without accel. I was thinking it was my bushings.
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Old 06-29-2007, 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Whitemax
If you get a loud clunking alot, if you feel a clunking it is more than likely need them.
exactly what i experienced before replacing mine
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Old 06-29-2007, 01:10 PM
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Originally Posted by mikey chalupa
WOuld bad control arms or the bushing cause vibration in the steering wheel? I also get vibration in the gas pedal under acceleration and without accel. I was thinking it was my bushings.
Could be you tires or a bent rim? vibrations during braking can indicate a stuck piston or warped rotor, etc. Most likely worn suspension components (bushings,endlink,etc) or wheel bearing.
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Old 06-29-2007, 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by maxpeed96plat.
Could be you tires or a bent rim? vibrations during braking can indicate a stuck piston or warped rotor, etc. Most likely worn suspension components (bushings,endlink,etc) or wheel bearing.
I just ordered Energy bushings today. Also, I found out that when I had my axles changed that one of the bolt on the passenger side bracket isn't tightened all the way down. Well, one of the bolts is tight but the other is kinda just stuck in there. I'm going to have both sides tightened when I get the bushing put on.
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Old 06-29-2007, 10:48 PM
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Mikey, getting the bushings done is a good idea they're a pita to remove u basically have to press them out or some guys burn them, anyways good luck maybe next time try changing your axles ur self, 1st time maybe hard but the next time you have to replace them it'll be easy and save some money for gas or whatever. Procedure in stickies/search or use FSM.
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