Thread: Control arm vs bush replacement L320 - help info please

Originally Posted by loanrangie

With the right tools the bushes can be replaced for not much more than $100, I fitted meyle HD to my d3 arms .

Yeah I am looking at the meyle ones - did you do new bolts at the same time?
You posted pics once before for me of your tool. Recommended lower control arm bushes?
Did you use standard pulling tools which you modified?
Keith

Originally Posted by BPMP_Vogue

having mine replaced today at local independent on my 07 RRS. rang around few places. and got different prices/options

my independent has the tool to press out and in bushes on car, use genuine LR bushes and quoted me $650 for both sides. prices varied to about $800 for this option.

other shops replace whole arms, rather than pressing in and out old bushes. this was arournd $1200-1500 quoted.

the local dealer here in SA wanted around 3K to do replace arms.

Dealer prices seem excessive - new arms maybe not but I can land those from the UK with new set of bolts for $650 and then fit myself.
Thanks for letting us know the cost range for options.
I am starting to lean towards just replacing the bushes buying a tool set to help - still cheaper than paying to have it done. And I get to learn more about this model in the process
Keith

Originally Posted by Skiboy

Can I not make a cup for the rear bush (on front control arm) and thus press them saving buying new arms? Makes it a $200 job not $600

And why lemforder and not the meyle ones?
Keith

The cup should look like the stepped one in the Lasertools 6180 tool set


Due to the design of the bushes a standard cup can stuff the bushes.

Regarding Meyle vs Lemforder, im not sure of the difference but I know Lemforder is OEM and i believe the Meyle HD bushes are of similar quality but offer a slightly firmer ride.

Considering the Lemforder ones are $80 i didnt see the point in taking the risk, especially on britpart or delphi brands.

It is cheaper to just replace the rear bushes, however I did it at 155k km on my D3 and the front bushes were pretty worn. I wish I replaced them at the same time as they definitely need replacing now!

Originally Posted by Skiboy

Yeah I am looking at the meyle ones - did you do new bolts at the same time?
You posted pics once before for me of your tool. Recommended lower control arm bushes?
Did you use standard pulling tools which you modified?
Keith

I bought a press kit and used a large bearing puller plate and some old bearing races that my dad uses in his press, i then just lowered the arms without removing and did it under the front of the car on a ramp/pit.
The Meyle are definitely not firmer and you will not notice any difference apart from lasting longer than the OEM hydro bushes.

Originally Posted by Disco-tastic

The cup should look like the stepped one in the Lasertools 6180 tool set

Due to the design of the bushes a standard cup can stuff the bushes.

Regarding Meyle vs Lemforder, im not sure of the difference but I know Lemforder is OEM and i believe the Meyle HD bushes are of similar quality but offer a slightly firmer ride.

Wow 482.25 for the tool plus postage from UK - new arms landed at my door from UK are only 650 including freight.
Might be welding and shaping my own plate me thinks.
Keith