A couple of weeks ago, my car got to take advantage of the CVT extended warranty coverage (torque converter lockup issues). While the car was in to get a new TC, they did their standard courtesy check. I was informed that the car needs new lower control arm bushings due to excessive wear.
I hadn't felt anything wrong with the steering. No steering wheel shake, no vagueness or wandering. No odd noises either when cornering. I've been trying to do research on this issue and how to replace the bushings myself. The dealership wants $500 to do it and that doesn't include the realignment after it's done. I haven't really found anything on here relevant to my model so I thought I would post up my own topic. So, questions...
1. How bad can the bushings get before needing replacement? I took a look last night and both sides have tears in the rubber. The interior is still connected to the outer ring of the bushing, but it is torn.
2. Does anyone have a good DIY guide to doing this? I have the Factory Service Manual, but their procedure uses specialized tools that I don't have. I was planning on making my own press out of a threaded rod. Anyone have any tips?
3. Is it worth it to stick with the factory bushings or are there better aftermarket offerings? I'm not interested in making my car faster. I just want it to last a long time and tolerate the occasional off pavement adventure.
This forum helped me tremendously when I was prepping to replace my timing belt. I'm hoping y'all come through again. Thanks!
I hadn't felt anything wrong with the steering. No steering wheel shake, no vagueness or wandering. No odd noises either when cornering. I've been trying to do research on this issue and how to replace the bushings myself. The dealership wants $500 to do it and that doesn't include the realignment after it's done. I haven't really found anything on here relevant to my model so I thought I would post up my own topic. So, questions...
1. How bad can the bushings get before needing replacement? I took a look last night and both sides have tears in the rubber. The interior is still connected to the outer ring of the bushing, but it is torn.
2. Does anyone have a good DIY guide to doing this? I have the Factory Service Manual, but their procedure uses specialized tools that I don't have. I was planning on making my own press out of a threaded rod. Anyone have any tips?
3. Is it worth it to stick with the factory bushings or are there better aftermarket offerings? I'm not interested in making my car faster. I just want it to last a long time and tolerate the occasional off pavement adventure.
This forum helped me tremendously when I was prepping to replace my timing belt. I'm hoping y'all come through again. Thanks!