Control Arm Bushings

[niro884]

Im in the process of having my Fiat Mechanic replace all the control arm bushings as well as the sway bar ones. Has anybody done this repair lately? Did it help with the steering and overall ride. They are still the original ones I have in there. Should I replace front shocks as well? They seem fine. Car isnt bouncing around at all. Just a bit squeeky.

Thanks

[pope]

Yes, new rubber bushings will give you a nicer, tighter ride. You've gone through all this trouble, why not do the shocks also. Then you will know that everything got done at the same time.

[So Cal Mark]

what about ball joints?

[ga.spyder]

I gotta agree with Mark.If you are going to all the trouble of doing the bushings,you should consider doing the ball joints too.There is very little extra labor since the control arms are off already.Ball joints arent very expensive either.
Craig

[speedracer]

I know my spider could use new bushings to, but I'm pretty sure my ball joints are good.

I'm not sure I'm checking the ball joints correctly, but I try pulling and pushing on the top of the wheel to see if there is any play, but there isn't any. The wheels are nice and tight, no click or play. So if there is no play, I'm good, is that correct or is there another way?

[rlux4]

Are your ball joints riveted on or bolted? If they are riveted, they're original and should definitely be replaced. They're relatively inexpensive, and much easier to do when your front end is apart. The results of a failed ball joint is not a pretty sight.



Ron