[teamdrop]

soooo .. did the new bushings solve your clunk?

if they did leave that joint on it's a little hard to tell, but it appears in low mileage condition to me. if it's damaged maybe a different story.

i am surprised the shop doesn't know. surely they must have replaced this part from time to time.

i assume this doesn't help bc surely you must have looked, but what does the diagram for installation look like?

I replaced my sway bar bushings after the post, we shall see!

 

[teamdrop]

brief google shows these kinds of thing can be bought, but doesn't solve the mystery of why it's not immediately evident where/how subaru sells them.

Subaru Front Control Arm Ball Joint Boss/Spacer 2004-2021 STI

This OEM metal cone shaped item makes up the space between the ball joint and the aluminum control arm. We often see these seized or missing when swapping to or replacing aluminum control arms. Sold individually. Fits all 2004-2021 Subaru WRX STI.

www.fastwrx.com

Those are not

brief google shows these kinds of thing can be bought, but doesn't solve the mystery of why it's not immediately evident where/how subaru sells them.

Subaru Front Control Arm Ball Joint Boss/Spacer 2004-2021 STI

This OEM metal cone shaped item makes up the space between the ball joint and the aluminum control arm. We often see these seized or missing when swapping to or replacing aluminum control arms. Sold individually. Fits all 2004-2021 Subaru WRX STI.

www.fastwrx.com

 

[teamdrop]

the parts mgr said the only way (other than me unpress myself and repress it to the new one) was to but the complete control arm. he clarified that he could NOT even talk to service, every breath they take is billable.

 

[teamdrop]

You can buy those cone spacers from the dealer. We have had to get a few new ones at ours due to them being stuck to the ball joint. Not sure their part number, but a good parts person can get them for ya. You can ask them to call their parts support for ya. If I remember to ask, I will see if I can get you a part number or see if the older part is the same.

Edit, BTW its called a Boss transverse link. Weird name for a spacer.
View attachment 594506

Edit #2.
Heat to the cone and air hammer to the ball joint shaft may release it. 2020 and up we haven't replaced many ball joints yet.

Thanks!

 

[teamdrop]

So the cone was a part of the control arm casting. Note it will stay in the arm if the removal is done with the type of tool shown in the service manual. Perhaps the same puller can still be used to separate the cone if there is enough room? In any case, there has to be a tool that will fit, such as OTC 7503 (which I used many times) or another puller from their front-end kit.

if its coming out with ease I would have to test using this by having the inner lips hold onto the wide diameter of the cone and press out the bolt portion

Amazon.com: OTC (7503) Tie Rod/inner bearing race puller Remover : Automotive

Buy OTC (7503) Tie Rod/inner bearing race puller Remover: Ball Joint & Tie Rod Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[teamdrop]

You can buy those cone spacers from the dealer. We have had to get a few new ones at ours due to them being stuck to the ball joint. Not sure their part number, but a good parts person can get them for ya. You can ask them to call their parts support for ya. If I remember to ask, I will see if I can get you a part number or see if the older part is the same.

Edit, BTW its called a Boss transverse link. Weird name for a spacer.
View attachment 594506

Edit #2.
Heat to the cone and air hammer to the ball joint shaft may release it. 2020 and up we haven't replaced many ball joints yet.

oddly this part number came up for the last year being my year but it wont fit my vin