Control Arm Bush Replacement

[wyperfield]

The Lower Control Arm bushes on my D3 need replacing- can hear it knocking over bumps etc. They have done 125,000klms.
Does anyone have experience with getting them replaced with Polyurethane Bushes (e.g. Pedders) vs. the original rubber type?
Also, is it better to just buy the whole arm complete with bushes & ball joint($308 non genuine) rather than replacing the bushes.
I suspect the Polyurethane bushes may give a harsher ride.

The LR dealer quoted me $1,900 for the job, but that sounds outrageous.
It seems like its a pretty normal for these to wear out.

thanks in advance for any comments.

[Hatchy]

I had to do the front ones on my D3 cost $800-$900 done by my mechanic. A friend put in the poly bushes he had them taken out the ride was so harsh even with the awesome air suspension.

[relatively normal]

If you have a decent vice, a butane torch, and an air chisel you could quite easily do them yourself in around 3 hours.

Ive done 4 sets now and its a job that any level headed DIYer could do.

[Drizzle]

Some info here:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php't=192768

[BSM]

If you have a decent vice, a butane torch, and an air chisel you could quite easily do them yourself in around 3 hours.

Ive done 4 sets now and its a job that any level headed DIYer could do.

What is the butane torch for?

[Cliffy]

What is the butane torch for?

Lighting your cigarette after your done?

[relatively normal]

The torch is for heating up the arm with the old bush in so it slides out easier with the air chisel.

All in all it should take around 45 mins to remove both arms, 15 mins to remove the old bushes and 20 mins to fit the new bushes (without a press and with a strong arm). Then another 45ish to get them back in the car. Plus a bit of time scratching your head and taking a break.

[Ozzy119]

The Lower Control Arm bushes on my D3 need replacing- can hear it knocking over bumps etc. They have done 125,000klms.
Does anyone have experience with getting them replaced with Polyurethane Bushes (e.g. Pedders) vs. the original rubber type?
Also, is it better to just buy the whole arm complete with bushes & ball joint($308 non genuine) rather than replacing the bushes.
I suspect the Polyurethane bushes may give a harsher ride.

The LR dealer quoted me $1,900 for the job, but that sounds outrageous.
It seems like its a pretty normal for these to wear out.

thanks in advance for any comments.

Are you sure it's not the ball joint? That seems to be the common the fault with the 'front knocking' sound. Had mine replaced recently, believing it was the bushes, but found out it was the ball. For the price quoted you might find they are replacing the whole arm. Ball, bushes and arm all new, just as quick to do once you get things out.

[justinc]

Don't waste your time doing bushes at 125k, ball joints are also going to be munted. Whole arm replacement is the most effective and economical. OEM arms around $400 each, and allow labour to fit and wheel alignment.

Jc

[DiscoDB]

Don't waste your time doing bushes at 125k, ball joints are also going to be munted. Whole arm replacement is the most effective and economical. OEM arms around $400 each, and allow labour to fit and wheel alignment.

Jc

Is it correct that the OEM arms come with larger ball joints compared to the early D3's? Would you then expect a longer life the second time around?