97 Malibu Lower control arm bushings?

[fritcr]

Can someone tell me how to check to see if mine are bad. I just got this car and live just about 3/4 mile down a gravel road and it sounds like the front end is going to fall out on the gravel. I didn't notice it on the hwy at all. I can do most stuff myself but have never tackeled these bushing before.
Rob

[johnholl]

I had to have the whole damn control arm replaced last year. Mechanic told me that the bushings couldn't be replaced as a separate item [ questioned this too].

Let me know if you find out differently. I'd be interested to know if he was BS-ing me.

[fritcr]

I did a search for control arm bushings and there is a post from someone with a link to a site that sells them separately but I don't know how to tell if mine are bad and need replaced. If they are bad. Can I replace them myself? I am mech inclined and do a lo of stuff myself. I just put new rotors on the front and will be replacing a tie rod end this weekend probalby.
Rob

[pishta68]

Originally Posted by johnholl

I had to have the whole damn control arm replaced last year. Mechanic told me that the bushings couldn't be replaced as a separate item [ questioned this too].

Let me know if you find out differently. I'd be interested to know if he was BS-ing me.

TSB says you can replace the LCA bushings without replacing the arm. Dont know how, but it says you can.

"A number of front suspension lower control arms have been returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC). Input regarding these parts indicates replacement corrected front suspension related clunk/rattle type noise concerns. Analysis of these returned components indicates that they were manufactured to design intent and should have performed satisfactorily in the vehicle.

It is recommended that when a front lower control arm is suspected to be the cause of a front suspension noise concern, the technician perform the following fastener tightening procedure prior to control arm replacement.

Position the vehicle on a level surface at curb height (supported by the tires).
Loosen the four lower control arm to front suspension crossmember attaching bolts. Tighten
Tighten the two lower control arm to suspension crossmember front attaching bolts to 60 N·m (45 lb ft) plus 180° rotation.
Tighten the two lower control arm to suspension crossmember rear attaching bolts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft) plus 180° rotation.
Road test vehicle to determine if the noise condition has been corrected.

Important
If the control arm bushings require replacement, they are available separately and may be serviced without replacing the control arm. "

[steve_o]

I had the brushings replaced on my '98 without replacing the control arm. I took the car to a mechanic to have it done.

I knew it was a problem when I would hit the brakes hard, I could feel the steering wheel pull and the car would pull to one side. Pumping the brakes would cause the wheel to spin back and forth.

With a bushing(s) worn out or missing it causes the control arm to contort.

It wasn't just the noise when I would brake but also the pull of the wheel.

Hope that helps.

[pishta68]

Originally Posted by steve_o

I had the brushings replaced on my '98 without replacing the control arm. I took the car to a mechanic to have it done.

I knew it was a problem when I would hit the brakes hard, I could feel the steering wheel pull and the car would pull to one side. Pumping the brakes would cause the wheel to spin back and forth.

With a bushing(s) worn out or missing it causes the control arm to contort.

It wasn't just the noise when I would brake but also the pull of the wheel.

Hope that helps.

I think the steering rack is making all the noise in my Malibu as the bushings look good and there is no pull on braking. Everything seems tight down there. careful on the TSB saying 75 ft/lbs and then an additional 180 degrees, that is almost impossible without breaking your breaker bar!