2G front control arm bushings

[dgdsm]

On one of my recent visits to a local tire/wheel shop for a "free check", they pointed out that one of my control arm bushings is going bad in the front driver's side wheel. It was either the one that bolt #5, or #7, goes through in this diagram.

It's basically running and driving fine, but it sometimes seems like it has a funny response when steering. I'm wondering what can happen if it breaks down completely? I see some prothane control arm bushing kits on Ebay for ~$50. Is this a tough replacement to do? And I guess I'll have to get a complete 4-wheel alignment if I replace these?

 

[PieEyedPiper]

Going bad can be relative. What are the goals for the car? Depending on which bushing it is, you may or want to replace it (SOL if it's #5).
I'd suggest first doing a visual inspection of your tires to determine if you are experiencing any undue wear in relation to the opposite side. This could indicate 1 of 2 things - that the alignment is bad or that the bushing is squishing around enough to be altering the geometry and leading to tire wear.

Anyways, just replace the arm and get it aligned. 2 bolts and 3 nuts.

EDIT: oh, and liberal anti-seize.

 

[motomattx]

Replace those arms asap if they are old or have any wear, those parts were recalled for ball joint issues and they are known failure points that can total your car if they fail on the highway and or seriously injure you or others.

 

[dgdsm]

Replace those arms asap if they are old or have any wear, those parts were recalled for ball joint issues and they are known failure points that can total your car if they fail on the highway and or seriously injure you or others.

OK thanks, I see the TSB on this. I've come across these arms on 2Gs in the JY that I was thinking of taking off. I guess I should replace them with completely new parts from what you say?

Also, is this only an issue in the front wheels or also the rear ?

 

[dgdsm]

Going bad can be relative. What are the goals for the car?

It's a good question. It's been my daily driver for the past six months. I'd like to eventually take it in the direction of turboing it and seeing how it does on a racetrack. But for now/ the short-term future, I'd like mainly to fix all the minor issues and problems and maintain it as a well-running DD vehicle.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I'd like mainly to fix all the minor issues and problems and maintain it as a well-running DD vehicle.

Yeah, best to just replace the arm. They're not very expensive if you shop around. Try Rockauto. Avoid eBay.

Also, is this only an issue in the front wheels or also the rear ?

The recall is for the front lateral arms only.

 

[dgdsm]

I think he was actually referring to this stabilizer link bushing (green arrow in the picture).

The control arms and control arm bushings themselves look ok to me. But I'll take a better look next time.