bad way to fix control arm

[higgimonster]

Ok, a few weeks back i happened to run into something that decided it was going to bend one of my front lower control arms a little bit. now, because i am completely broke i am thinking about pulling it off, putting it inbetween to 2x4s and using a hydrolic press to try and straighten it. now, i don't know much about metal's and how easily they break (especial when fatigued a little). should i heat the peice up first?
a friend of mine keeps telling me itis a really bad idea but i figure it is already screwed up, if this method doesn't work, so what.


btw, the toe out on the car is interesting. it completly changed the handlig charecteristics of the car, my initial turn-in is much more responsive, but i can already see the tires wearing down, and the steering wheel is crooked by about 30 deg which is a pain. but anyway, any advice would be great

[Moppie]

REPLACE IT.

Sometimes you can get away with gently heating and striaghtening them with a hammer, but it IS not recomended.
Its far to easy to leave stress cracks in the part that could later casue it to fail, normaly when you really dont want it to.
Theres also the problem of getting it perfectly straight.

At the end of the day it works out cheaper, and easier to just get another one from a wrecker and bolt it in.

[454Casull]

I would get somebody else to do it.

[enginerd]

Rule #1. NEVER repair suspension parts. ALWAYS replace with new or used. If you attempt to repair a suspension part it WILL break and possibly kill you and other people on the road. I cannot possibly stress this more.

[higgimonster]

well, since you guys are so sincere about me replaceing it i think i will. thanks for the adivce, i am glad i asked.