Lower control arm replacement ?

[Wildman95GS-T]

I have gone thru the control arm replacement due to the recall with my previous 95gs-t, i had to replace that one with the car i now have, i noticed that the boot was torn on the drivers side ball joint while replacing my c/s pulley and t/b cover. I contacted Mitsu and they said this car was taken to the dealer in 02 to have it inspected, it looks to me like they replaced the right side control arm and not the left, they would do nothing for me. i purchased one from the dealer and want to replace it asap. Will i have to get the front end aligned after replacing it ? I also have new shocks i plan to install, will i be ok until i can do it all togather? The arm and balljoint look and feel tight and not ready to fall off or break

 

[wret]

Your alignment should be the same after you replace the arm. No one can accurately judge how long your damaged arm will last before failing. Usually they give some signs that they are on the way out, like creaking and looseness, but some fail suddenly without warning.

 

[Wildman95GS-T]

Thanks, it looks like i will have to spend some money, i did not look close enough at all the boots on both sides, my passenger side lower control arm and both curved lower control arms also have torn boots. Are Rockville Mitsu wants $160 for them $30 for the straight one. On e-bay OEM seller want $60 for the straight one and $260 for the curved. One seller wants $68 for the curved, but does nt distinguish between n/t and turbo. Are they the same

 

[wret]

The front suspension arms are the same for all 2g models.

For torn boots, if the joint is not yet deteriorated, I've had success repacking the grease and wrapping the joint with self-fusing silicone tape.

 

[Splitpi]

I just replaced both lower control arms on the passanger side. Took about 1.5 hours... nothing too drastic. Ordered mine from Rockville as well.

 

[hereitcomes]

yes, in accordance with wret, make sure that the joint is re-packed with grease.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

If you haven't trashed the lower control arm (which is unlikely, IDK what you have), you can replace the ball joints only. I've found both upper and lower control arm ball joints at NAPA (~$30 ea). Just remember to pull the boot back as they have a clip to help secure them in place. Of course the lateral arm (straight piece) is so cheap, just replace the whole arm.

 

[Splitpi]

I do have two boots (brand new and in packaging) and both lower control arms for the passanger side (lower lateral [straight arm] control arm ball joint is still good, just needs repacking, the other one needs the ball joint replaced ) if you want... just pay the shipping and I'll send them out.

 

[Wildman95GS-T]

Thanks for all the info, did not know you can replace ball joint. It looks like the mount on the other end is cracked and dry rotten, just like all my roll stops and engine mounts were.
Thanks for the offer Splitpi i will se what i can get a new one for and what the wife will let me spend

 

[94whitetalizle]

i jusat replaced my ball joints they were 50 for both at autrozone

 

[ZLODEY]

Anyone know how can I replace #41300Ax arms? #41306C bolt is too long and there's no way I can take it out it w/o removing fuel tank shield

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