Front Control Arms

[~Rich~]

Hi all,
As many of you know it is a known problem that the lower front control arms bushes wear out over time resulting in clunking and noises in the front end.

It is also know that it is more cost effective to replace the complete arm with the lower ball joint rather than spend the time pushing out the bushes and replacing them.

I had my lower arms done at approx 80,000k and now I'm at 170,000k I thought I again had the issue with the lower arms, up on a hoist it was quickly discovered that I had chewed out the top front bush on the upper control arm - a first for my specialist. Lowers still fine.

Anyway again it is more cost effective to replace the complete arm assembly - it's approx $120 for the complete arm incl ball joint & bushes.

[rb30gtr]

Rich, where do you buy your parts from/through?

[~Rich~]

My mechanic!
But I have been using them for 20yrs so they look after me.

[rb30gtr]

They sure are! Anyway someone else can pose as you to buy parts?? Cars are similar...

[Ean Austral]

I was told when I bought my D3, to budget for

around 85-100,000ks front lower arms
150,000 ks, timing belt and HP fuel belt

175,000ks top arms front and rear.

Sounds like they may have known their stuff judging by what you have just found.

Cheers Ean

[connock]

At those prices no wonder he is still ~Rich~

connock

[Glynhouse]

Was informed at the last service 120K that the upper rear bushes are going, not urgent but start thinking about them !
Did the front lower at 100k uppers are fine.

DD

[~Rich~]

The amount of movement in the chewed out bush was like there was almost no rubber left, you grab the tyre top and bottom and try to move them in and out. Back bush was still fine and it pivoted on this and the ball joint.

[Nomad9]

Hi Rich,
I replaced mine with a set from Polybush in the UK, the communication was shocking but the product is great. No issues so far, oh and not as cheap as the ones you got.

[~Rich~]

Ok, price correction.
Picked the car up this morn after they could not fit in the wheel alignment yesterday arvo.

Was $120 for the Arm actual $130, I can live with that for a part price.