Lower Control Arm Bushings - Replacement Question

[rossmort]

Greetings,

2005 Outback 2.5i - 96,000 miles

I've had a similar issue as others with cracked/disintegrating lower control arm bushings causing a "thudding" sound. The dealer initially diagnosed the problem as the bushings and also suggested replacement of both ball joints due to wear on the ball joint boots (Quoted $590 for bushings, ball joints and alignment).

I checked the issue with an independent mechanic who concurred with the bushing replacement, but said the ball joints were fine. They suggested replacing the lower control arms instead of just the bushings (Their quote was $650).

Looking for opinions on what route I should take. Does it make more sense to replace the full LCAs instead of just the bushings? Any input appreciated.

Thanks

[ETC]

What bushing is worn out ?

The front transverse link bushing is most likely ... it's also the cheapest at about $12. You have to press the old one out and press a new one in but, not a huge deal. The rear bushing is between $75-100 and should just be a bolt on part but, I haven't done them yet so, just guessing.

Ask them their reasoning behind not replacing the bushings [other than the fact that it's easier to just bolt the new arm on] ;]

[rossmort]

Originally Posted by ETC

What bushing is worn out ?

The front transverse link bushing is most likely ... it's also the cheapest at about $12. You have to press the old one out and press a new one in but, not a huge deal. The rear bushing is between $75-100 and should just be a bolt on part but, I haven't done them yet so, just guessing.

Ask them their reasoning behind not replacing the bushings [other than the fact that it's easier to just bolt the new arm on] ;]

I believe you nailed the reasoning - They said it would be a couple hour job.

[ETC]

I thought I posted this picture ... guess not.

The part is way less than I thought, you could probably replace it yourself ... if you have a few tools. Pop the ball joint out of the steering knuckle, mark the position of the rear bearing, bolt it back together ... probably wouldn't need an alignment.

http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/cp_...p?partid=13142

[Dodik]

i've done them on my old car a few years back you WILL NEED an impact gun to do this took me two hours per bolt to get them out would've been 10 mins with impact otherwise its not hard no need for alignment afterwards

['05 Outback 2.5i]

Originally Posted by ETC

I thought I posted this picture ... guess not.

The part is way less than I thought, you could probably replace it yourself ... if you have a few tools. Pop the ball joint out of the steering knuckle, mark the position of the rear bearing, bolt it back together ... probably wouldn't need an alignment.

http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/cp_...p?partid=13142

The '05-'09 Front suspension is completely different, the bushings he is referring to are #9 in the box in the lower right hand corner. You can see the lower control arm is a completely different design..

Originally Posted by rossmort

Looking for opinions on what route I should take. Does it make more sense to replace the full LCAs instead of just the bushings? Any input appreciated.

Thanks

RossMort, see this thread for more information.

[rossmort]

Originally Posted by '05 Outback2.5i

The '05-'09 Front suspension is completely different, the bushings he is referring to are #9 in the box in the lower right hand corner. You can see the lower control arm is a completely different design..



RossMort, see this thread for more information.

Info very much appreciated. I'll be checking with the dealer and the independent shop to check prices on replacing just the bushings. Wife's car with 1 toddler and another on the way - I can't risk trying this on my own and risking a non-drivable car for a few days if I mess something up :-/ Again, I very much appreciate the insight!

['05 Outback 2.5i]

Originally Posted by rossmort

Info very much appreciated. I'll be checking with the dealer and the independent shop to check prices on replacing just the bushings. Wife's car with 1 toddler and another on the way - I can't risk trying this on my own and risking a non-drivable car for a few days if I mess something up :-/ Again, I very much appreciate the insight!

My Pleasure. Post # 5 in the linked thread mentions that some parts wholesalers will sell the entire lower arm, loaded with new bushings. If you are looking to do the work on your own, that removes the most difficult part for the driveway mechanic (pressing the old bushings out and the new ones in)..