My lower control arms are rusted out and the ball joints are shot. Ordered Mevotech replacements. They don't look the same as the originals. The originals have a three bolt plate covering the rear bushing. Will these fit underneath the plate? Are these (two bolt) replacements instead of the plate? I can't figure out if these need to be returned??!!

 

If they dont look the same then yeah something is wrong.

However, the 3-bolt plate is mounts to the control arm and you will swap it to the new unit. It has a round pin-like end that goes into the bushing.

The 3 bolts have to be removed from the car to do this job successfully and you swap the part.

Check YouTube. Prob videos. Be careful on reinstalling the bolts on the 3-bolt arm. They can cross thread if you get hasty with them.

Edit: actually I think there are 4 bolts on the pin-arm.

 

Is there’s a difference between the lower control arms on an SE, as opposed to the other models? Maybe this explains the difference? Unless I hear from the forum, I’ll just have to pull one side apart and compare, or see if this is a planned upgrade to the original part?

 

Post a picture of the mevotec you bought so somebody can better understand the situation.

I cannot imagine any difference between models.

 

Crisis averted. The Haynes manual has it wrong on a couple of counts. Firstly, I have no plate covering the aft control arm bushing...just like everyone else. Where they got that picture from, I have no idea. Second, they say there are three bolts on the pin arm...with a certain tightening sequence! I have four bolts.
Needless to say, the internet help videos and this forum have it right. I now have a shiny new left lower front control arm in place. The right one goes in today. Thanks for your input.

 

You're welcome. Glad u got it.

 

SE has a plate. Extra stiffness. They all fit

 

...huh i bought some cheap *** chinese kit with grease-erts on every thing, watched some youtubes videos and everything went on. even anti seized everything. just wish i knew what that loud creaking-ish rubbing -ish noise is when i drive with wheels at full loc.

EDIT: anyone have a pic of the plate, GLE does not have said plate?

 

You probably need to grease the turn stops. The turn stop is just a piece of metal presses against the control arm when you have the wheel fully turned. If the car is moving, the suspension/control arm moves up and down and you have metal rubbing on metal.

 

They used to sell plastic caps for this.

 

Wonder if they still sell them?

 

That explains the worn out plastic cap I found on the floor of the garage...!

 

I have the part number. I just looked at the package yesterday. I could post if your interested.

 

yes please!

 

I'd post a pic but Photobucket is still broken.

Part # 40039-D0100

 

Here is a kink to photos of the part

https://www.google.com/search?safe=a...4dUDCAY&uact=5

 

can those bought? wonder if make one? i remember the plastic caps were still one when i pressed new bearings in to the knuckles

EDIT: SWEET! Thanks Dennis!!! 2 for 7 bucks!