Front Lower Control Arm replacement options?

A

anon1000

Member
Location
United States
Hello,

I noticed a loud clunk under accelerating today. Looks like the rear bushing on the lower control is done, under acceleration I noticed it moves back and forth and produces a metallic clunk (fine under braking, bumps or reverse). Local garage diagnosed it and told me the part is 1200..So, I am a bit confused, they told me you cant just replace the bushings, but even the whole control arm is couple hundred. Is there a way to replace just the bushings? If so, any DYIs?

If not, or not recommended, are there aftermarket control arms that would offer some benefit (price/performance)? In other words, what is recommended for 2004 FX35 150k miles (love the car can't get rid of it) in terms of the lower control arms, are they recommended to be replaced in pairs so both sides? Other than the alignment, is this something that one can try to do themselves / special tools needed?
 
i like oe, when mine busted the dealer replaced the whole control arm for couple hundred. The bushings arent serviceable, like other cars. I dont know who quoted you that crazy price maybe labor included. But you can find a good used one at a nissan/infiniti wreck shop/junk yard or even on ebay
 
Wow, are you sure $1200 is part only? Inifiniti part is about $250. After market is about $120 - $160. $1200 for part & labor still unrealistic. I definitely would shop around. There is no DIY or anyone have done it themselves on here that I can remember. There are couple bolts that requires 89 ft/lb of torque. An impact gun will definitely helps. Need a ball joint separator for sure to separate the ball joint at the knuckle. No other special tools needed.
 
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la_fx35 said:
There is no DIY or anyone have done it themselves on here that I can remember. There are couple bolts that requires 89 ft/lb of torque. An impact gun will definitely helps. Need a ball joint separator for sure to separate the ball joint at the knuckle. No other special tools needed.
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I just replaced the outer tie-rod ends and the rubber was dried and splitting, which makes me think the control-arm bushing should be just as worn?
 
la_fx35 said:
You can easily tell with visual inspection on the control arm bushing.
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This is correct, and at first I thought it was the upper strut bearing. However, after replacing the unit with a non oem part the arm was touching the rotor sharp turns. Is is normal due to the replacement being non oem ? I ended up grinding the LCA a bit to get buy but wondered if this was normal.

-B
 
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