Hey everyone, my alignment guy pointed out the other day that he noticed a difference in the left and right lower control arms( where it connects to the steering knuckle specifically). On the drivers side(left) the bushing is seated on top where the two parts connect, and on the passengers side (right) the bushing is seated on the bottom where the two parts connect. Which way is the bushing supposed to be seated???

I will need to buy a new lower control arm since you cant simply replace just the bushing. My question is, which do I need to buy and which way is the bushing supposed to be seated? Either way, one of them is wrong!

Thanks

LP

 

uh, are you refering to the lower ball joint? i'm not sure what bushing this guy is referring to?? elaborate because its not clear what you are describing.

better safe than sorry of being sold on repairs you don't need.

 

Umm, it might be a ball joint but the tech showed me the difference between the two. One was above and one was below. Im not sure if it was a ball joint per se but the 'bushing' or whatever i saw/am refering to was between the knuckle and lower control arm. Its directly behind, slightly lower to the hub. Does this help?

 

i can't check right now because it's dark, but from what you are describing... sounds like you are describing the ball joint being oriented in opposite directions between the two sides... or so thats what this guy is telling you.

If you can, just turn the wheels all the way to one side, check the ball joint, then turn the wheel the other way and check the other.

If they are in fact pointing in opposite directions (one to the sky, one towards the floor), then post back and i will check my car. If not, the guy might be selling you service you dont need... or just not very good at explaining.

they should be attached the same way on both sides... both oriented the same direction. if my experience w/ diff cars over the years.

 

That is exactly the part im speaking of. One the drivers side, the bushing is above the ball joint. ON the passenger side the bushing is lower side below the ball joint. Which way is it supposed to be? Would anyone mind taking a peek at their own?

LP

 

Anyone? Puhhhleeeeeze! I'd like to get this straightened out asap!

 

^ have you tried going down to the dealer to ask them? they have manuals, and pictures. i'm sure you can look at the cars in the lot too.

 

true! but im also about 120miles from the nearest dealership
Anyone mind taking a quick peek and tellin me which way it should be oriented?

LP