DammyO Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 Hello all, I have identified the clunking noise in my front suspension as a failing lower control arm. My mechanic informed me that this is a dealer only part so before I resort to the stealership, I figured I'd check here first. I'm looking for the least expensive way to pick up a left lower control arm. Don't even car if it's used as long as it is in good shape. I'm checking local pick n pulls etc. I'm also open to aftermarket if the cost is reasonable. Please advise! Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 Nope, Had both mine replaced a few weeks back, paid $153 for each from my trusted mechanic. Do a google search. http://www.bing.com/search?q=2005+subaru+lower+control+arms&src=IE-TopResult&FORM=IETR02&conversationid=&adlt=strict 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apexi Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 Sounds like you should just have to replace a bushing or ball joint, if you're trying to save money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DammyO Posted November 5, 2015 Author Share Posted November 5, 2015 Sounds like you should just have to replace a bushing or ball joint, if you're trying to save money. Thats what I thought, but they said you had to replace the whole thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 ^they lied to you. all the bushings in the front LCA can be replaced or upgraded without replacing the arm itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theflystyle Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 They say that because it takes less time to replace the LCA which comes with the bushings already installed then to push out the old and put in something new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybird2013 Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 did you see these? http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/ks-mo-lower-control-arms-w-whiteline-bushings-installed-246686.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 ^they lied to you. all the bushings in the front LCA can be replaced or upgraded without replacing the arm itself. FWIW, Mine were worn enough that the trusted mechanic didn't feel confident that new bushings would be the right way to go. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 ^how, unless the place where the bushing has been pressed in is deformed, there would be nothing wrong with it. i'd question your trust of that mechanic unless you provide more info on how he came to that conclusion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 I do know I had a loose bushing for a while. So there was some banging in the front end going on. I've been going to this guy for over 25 years. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 so, unless a new bushing could not be secured in the arm, there is no reason to replace the arm itself. if this is not the case for you, then your mechanic pulled a fast one on you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 I had tried to push the bushing back in a couple times, so I have no problem with him replacing them, the front end have been great since. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolmers06LGT Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 Post a picture of the control arm/torn bushing. if the metal outer sleeve of the bushing is loose in the control arm, you'll have to replace the arm. 90% of the time you can just replace the bushing, but it is a serious PITA, which may be why a lot of mechanics just push to replace the whole assembly. When I say PITA, it took an experienced mechanic a few hours to remove all 4 bushings from my LCA's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted November 6, 2015 Share Posted November 6, 2015 bah, i can do all 4 in 45min. LCA bushings are easy. I do have air tools and a press. but ive done at least 20 of 'em, and they are no problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JmP6889928 Posted November 7, 2015 Share Posted November 7, 2015 /\/\/\ What he said. About 3 minutes to chop old out and about another 2 minutes to press new in. If your LCA'S ain't broke, put new bushings in them and go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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