ntts

I'm planning to either replace the whole lower front control arms or replace just the bushings on them. Only problem is I know their are two other contact points on the control arms, and don't know if that also is a factor with the noises.

Any input is appreciated thank you

Aus430

Yep that creak will likely be the lower front bushings

Just replaced mine about 3 weeks ago with mevotech control arms from rock auto. Makes a huge improvement to both noise level in the car and steering feel.

It's a pretty easy unbolt bolt type job if you enjoy spannering around and can be done in an hour or three, either solo or with a mate for company and a couple of beers.

All you need are some:
jack & stands,
a ball joint separator,
a persuader bar (breaker bar)
ratchet and extension shaft
24mm, 22mm, 19mm,17mm 14mm 10mm sockets and/or ring spanners,
torque wrench
pliers
wire to hold the upper arm and hub out of the way when changing the arm
and a paint pen to mark the alignment pin

A power drill helps save some time effort for longer bolts but is optional

ntts

I highly thank you for this reply, i ended up just buying the mevotech control arms as well plan to get them installed ASAP

Aus430

Awesome. Knowing how quick rock auto is at shipping, you will probably have the arms soon

We ordered them on a Saturday Oz time, they were delivered here around 72 hours later on a Tuesday using the standard (read 'cheapest') shipping. Which is quite remarkable considering the international distance involved and clearing customs checks.

Ironically, the arms then sat in their boxes for another 2 weeks until we got the time to install them given we had factored 2 weeks for delivery when planning to do the job! Still better to have the parts on hand than not.

bradland

In the interest of future readers and the reality of economy replacement parts:

Mevotech products notoriously receive sub-standard reviews especially re longevity. Any new part, with new bushings, will perform and feel great for a while...
Unfortunately with Mevotech, it's a little while. The original components lasted over 15 years, the Mevotech parts might last 15 months.

Aus430

Really 15 months? If that is true, at least their warranty is for 5 years for original replacements (lifetime on the supreme range) so they at least stand behind the products they sell.

anyway there is one important step when installing control arms (and other twist bushes) which is to make sure after reassembling everything and wheels are on the ground to loosen and then retorque the through bolts. This means the arms are at operating height in the neutral relaxed position. That way they are only under load when the suspension travels up or down.

Suspension parts can often be blamed for faulty because they can be tightened in the most downward travel of the arm which means that they constantly under twist when the car is at ride height, thus prematurely wearing the bushes out.

Suspension bushes are pretty durable so it won't matter if there is a day or two between assembly and retorquing the bushes, just don't leave them tensioned incorrectly for months and months and expect them to last 15 years.

pmesfun

I put mevotech control arms on a van, worked fine until we got rid of the van 7 years later.