I was wondering how you check to see if the bushings are bad? Any suggestions?

 

Are you refering to the ball joint that connects to the steering kuckle?.

 

You can visually inspect the bushings for cracks and deterioration.

You can also tell when you drive. If you get the car aligned but it still pulls or wanders. If the car feels insecure in corners. If ridges or crowns in the pavement push the steering wheel around.


My car exhibits all of the above. I have new polyurethane bushings ready to be installed this weekend.

 

Well, I have this clunking noise when going over bumps and thought it might be worn bushings in the control arm.

 

that could also be a strut mount. Jack up your car so that the tires are in the air. Open your hood and check your strut mounts. If you see the bushing inside separates it self from the mount housing, then you will need to replace them.

 

If I look where the strut mount is under the hood i see the 3 mounting nuts and the top part of the strut mount with the nut in the center. should i be able to tell with everything bolted together?

 

Ok here is a pic. This is a good bushing, this is not an example of how a bad one should look, but you get the idea.
Pretty much make sure that the bushing is in good condition, and if you jack up your car make sure that the bushing always sticks to the housing





Here is a link to a much better quality pic

http://gallery.azmaximas.org/albums/...CN0782_001.jpg

Hope this helps

 

[QUOTE=optimus310]Ok here is a pic. This is a good bushing, this is not an example of how a bad one should look, but you get the idea.
Pretty much make sure that the bushing is in good condition, and if you jack up your car make sure that the bushing always sticks to the housing





Here is a link to a much better quality pic

http://gallery.azmaximas.org/albums/...CN0782_001.jpg

Hope this helps[/QUOTE

That helps thanks, I checked mine it looks good.