joint bad?

[clownface]

Working on my car i found this, its torn, its the joint for the long curved arm(dont know what its called) on the drivers side. What is that gonna do to me? it dont see anything coming out of it but that might be cause theres nothing to come out, it might have been like that since ive had that car. How soon do i need to get that fixed? would i have to buy a entire new arm? if i dont fix it what might happen to me? o and im very very low on cash right now. any help?

 

[clownface]

pic

 

[Doug99RS]

You need to replace that. It's called a lower compression arm and it's basically one of two points on the bottom side of the wheel that keep the wheel in place. If you don't replace it the the ball joint itself can wear out and pull out of the socket (in the lower compression arm) and you will lose control of the car. It's alot like the lower lateral arm recall only this component is not part of the recall. Also judging by the way the rotor shield is chewed up you may want to look in to cleaning that up some (cut away the jagged edges) to prevent this from happening again.

Your looking about 275-300 for the replacement of that arm. You'll need to check with dealer for the part number because it changes based on year model and vehicle options.
Doug

 

[clownface]

Originally posted by Doug99RS
You need to replace that. It's called a lower compression arm and it's basically one of two points on the bottom side of the wheel that keep the wheel in place. If you don't replace it the the ball joint itself can wear out and pull out of the socket (in the lower compression arm) and you will lose control of the car. It's alot like the lower lateral arm recall only this component is not part of the recall. Also judging by the way the rotor shield is chewed up you may want to look in to cleaning that up some (cut away the jagged edges) to prevent this from happening again.

Your looking about 275-300 for the replacement of that arm. You'll need to check with dealer for the part number because it changes based on year model and vehicle options.
Doug

ACK 275-300? o boy. yeah i figure that all that mess there happened at the same time, ima fix that jaggy stuff. can i just replace that boot or do i have to get the entire arm? Cause theres no way i can pay for a 275 part right now, and i need my car, but i dont wanna die.

 

[Doug99RS]

I don't know if just the boot can be replaced. It probably can be replaced with an after market boot. If the boot has been like that long then you will want to save your money up and replace it as soon as possible. Check to make sure that there is no play in the ball joint. Clean out as much dirt as you can and refill the joint area with grease prior to installing a replacement boot.
D

 

[clownface]

when i check it for play what am i looking for, what kinda movment? any movement at all? sorry for the stupid newbie question

 

[Doug99RS]

Grab the arm and try and pull downward on it while it is still bolted to the knuckle. Ideally, it should not move enough for you to feel it. If it does not move then you will probably be ok for a little while until you can afford to replace it. If you chose not to replace it right now then you should check that ball joint periodically in the same manor to make sure it doesn't wear any more after you replace the boot and fill it with grease.
Doug

 

[clownface]

okay thanks for the help, im gonna see if i can just replace the boot then save up for a new arm ASAP.

 

[jrivard00]

You can get the arm for $100 used in good condition and replacement can be done in about 30 minutes.

 

[Doug99RS]

This may be a good option as well. Again though check the boot condition of the replacement arm and check it for play in the same manor as listed above.
Doug