This is the front left lower arm. As you can see, its off centered (bent maybe) I was quoted $330 including parts and labor.

What do you guys think about the quote? And how long can i go without getting this fixed?

Thanks guys.

 

That needs a $50 bushing replacement do you have any tools? That pretty weak I would replace top priority

 

You need to replace those with polyurethane or it'll happen again. Just buy some energy or whiteline lower control arm bushings and have the shop press the old ones and install the new. Much cheaper, much more durable, no need to buy the whole arm.

The longer you go without fixing, the more likely it will be that you damage the arm to a point of no longer being able to be used.

 

I would replace that ASAP.

You didn't mention if you had any DIY skills, but since you said you got a quote, i'll assume this is beyond your ability.

If that quote is including a entire new arm, then it's pretty much in the ballpark.

 

Are these the right bushings to get?
http://www.infinitipartsusa.com/mobi...aspx?id=857756

So when the shop recommends replacing the whole arm, are they just trying to squeeze extra $$? From what you guys are saying, an honest shop would just recommend bushing replacements.

 

For some reason everyone replaced the entire arm. I don't know why. Even on this forum you will run across folks replacing entire arm when only bushing gone wrong. In most cased it's done due to the lack of tools (press) to remove the bushing from the arm and install a new one (it needs to be pressed in and out).

My personal advice not to go with Polyurethane bushings. Reason because they squeak like a dying pig.
As far as the severity of the problem. You need this done yesterday. Putting more miles on the car in such shape is unwise. Your tires will not live long with that bushing. Currently your toe is out of whack and you are eating up the inside of the tire like there is no tomorrow, you also be getting vibration of the steering wheel at higher speed which caused additional stress on shocks and entire suspension.

 

So if i purchase these:
http://www.infinitipartsusa.com/mobi...aspx?id=857756

And tell the mechanics to just replace the bushings i should be fine?

 

most defiantly

 

I just did mine in my garage with a 75$ harbor freight shop press and my own frankensocket with the help of this DIY.

http://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-s...translink.html

Since I was under there I knocked out the compression rod bushings and the shock mount bushing as well. I used Whiteline Polys all around (150$ total on ebay). Took me about 6 hrs total and saved myself hundreds. Car handles much tighter now.

 

Not necessarily. If they installed correctly and greased properly they don't (at least my Whitelines haven't yet). IMO you should stay away from Energy Suspension LCA and compression rod bushings which do have a rep for squeaking.

 

Let me explain you what I mean.

I got a Armstorng poly bushings.

With this type of bushing you have poly material in direct contact with aluminum in the control arm. That is what makes constant noise and this is a complete crap of a bushing (noise wise)

With whiteline. You have poly in cased in metal. So there is a metal contact with aluminum. In which case there is no squeaky sound of poly flexing against metal.

 

Gotcha, Thanks for clarifying!

 

Well, ill go ahead and prove you both wrong. My whole front end is replaced with energy and I've never heard a peep. As Drvn said, lube em right and you won't hear a thing. I do not recommend those Armstrong bushings tho.

 

I replaced both of mine with Dorman control arms for 50 bucks a piece. They're not that hard to change, but I would inspect the arm first. Like someone else mentioned if it's damaged to much you won't be able to press out the bushing. That is what ended up happening with mine. The Dormans are still running strong after several months.

 

You didn't list your model and year, so i'll assume RWD 2003 since 99% of the cars on here seem to be that. Rockauto.com has the entire arm for $58 plus shipping. There's a 5% discount code as well.

Seeing as that's the same price as a bushing, the arm is an easier install since it's R&R. If you have to pay a shop, this will require less labor since they aren't pressing the old bushing out and the new one in. Prob be 1 hr labor just for the press...even if it takes them 5 mins. Even though i have the tools and press, i'd prob just swap the arm rather than fuss with pressing it out and the new one in.

Since you aren't DIY, the problem will be finding a shop willing to install (and warranty) your part. Most won't because if the part fails, they don't want you coming back when you didn't let them choose the part. Also, shops mark their parts up for a profit. You might be able to convince a shop if you ask them to do it with no warranty implied.

I wouldn't replace just ONE bushing with poly. You could...but just doesn't seem right.