lexrally

The steering is vague and not as tight.

There was a shimmy for a while but determined it was due to warped rotors.

But while the mecahnic was looking at the front suspension,they said the bushings
on the lower front control arms were cracked, and needed replacement.

Repair cost was $650.

I want to know if anyone has had their front lower control arms replaced due to
the same reason (worn/cracked bushings), and the impact this made.

I would say the biggest thing noticeable right now with the front suspension is that
the steering is not as precis as it once was, there is slight drift, and when turning there is a sort
of lag and bounce while the front wheel s are turning, into their position,
to me feels like something is soft/loose on the front end.

So I do not doubt that they are worn, just want to know from anyone
who had this done if it made a big difference or not.

Thanks

salimshah

Could you please clarify ...
The repairs have been done and after that your steering is not sharp (or as precise as it was before the repair)


Salim

lexrally

Salim - have not done repair yet, but considering it. It still drives "ok",
except for the drift/vagueness/loose feel of the steering.
Just wondering if anyone had replaced the lower control arms,
what improvements they noticed. Tried searching the form, but
couldn't find anything as far as feedback after the repair was done
how mucg improvement was noticed. Because maybe it could be other componants
involved, etc ....

salimshah

The suspension parts are subjected to tremendous forces and depending on the condition various bushings are ends up a play in the steering/suspension. This impacts the directional stability and steering/wondering.

Even though you see a crack (dry rot etc) the bushing may still be providing adequate clamping. Suspension expert can tell you how bad the situation is by using long levers with and without the weight of the RX on wheels. If the play is observable then go ahead and replace the needed item.

Since suspension is a system, what others experience my or may not match with what you are experiencing. If you are on the fence and replacing your tires then I would suggest get the fix done.

Hope it helps

Salim

lexrally

I replaced the 2 front lower control arms with MOOGs I bought on https://www.rockauto.com for around $65 apiece. While I was at it, I also bought 2 rear Centrix rotors ($15.78 apiece) and Akebono Act930 and ACT325 brake pads ( $47,$37 each) to replace pads all-around. The prices for these parts were far less than HALF of what the shop wanted to charge thru their parts supplier. :-)

I gave the parts to my favorite shop, they installed everything for $350.

So the question is, did it make any difference to the handling.

It certainly did! The steering preciseness is somewhat completely restored. It is not like it was when it was newer with less miles, but it is much better than just before the lower control arms were replaced.

I think the factory control arms must be stiffer, but again, as Salim was saying, it could be other bushings in the system are worn too and have some freeplay.

The amount I payed for the parts/labor for just the control arms ($333), was well worth it for me with the results I got.

If you are a DIY'er, then the parts are not very expensive either ($135 pair) at rock auto.

I select MOOG after researching on the web, they seemed to be more highly recommended. I wanted to get raybestos, but couldn't actually find them anywhere. Lets see how they stand the test of time.

Cheers