suspension lower control arm bushes

[jeremyj]

Following a recent service I was advised "front and rear lower control arm bushes worn" on report, I am advised the control arms as a whole with bushes have to be replaced? is this the case or can the bushes be purchased on their own and refitted into existing control arms?? also anti roll bar drop links worn what is entailed in refurbishing these, are the above referenced items DIY jobs.

 

[Black80XSA]

I did see an article in one of the magazine over a year ago about just replacing the bushes - didn't look the easiest DIY job, and i guess if you are paying a garage its cheaper to swap the whole lot out than pay and extra hours labour swapping bushes.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

An alternative to new control arms are exchange ones from Hartech: http://www.hartech.org/parts.html

As for the drop links, there isn't much you can do other than replace them. They have jumped up in price over the last couple of yeaars, and are now just over £50 each.

 

[jeremyj]

thankyou for your help, is it a diy job

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Drop links are pretty straightforward, but the top end which goes in the strut can get a bit rusted in and stubborn to shift. The lower wishbones and control arms are no more difficult to change than on any car. You'll need a decent ball joint splitter, and if you can get the car on a lift it makes it much easier.

And that's an impressive collection in your signature, but aren't you missing the important one ? [] []

 

[jeremyj]

thanks for your help all advise very useful, trouble with the control arms is following service recomendation they should be replaced however there appears to be no undue movement or knocking from the suspension when driven, so a dilema as to at what point should bushes/control arms be replaced. will amend signature!!!