geargrinder
10-03-2008, 12:01 PM
Hello again.
Just had the car into the shop for rear control arm bushings, had a used control arm installed, and got to thinking of the rest of the suspension.
I have a '99 STS and am wondering if the bushings in the aluminium front and rear control arms can be replaced. The dealer says no, and wants big bucks for a new lower front control arm. The factory manual shows a replacement procedure for the rear control arm bushings, and agrees with the dealer re: front control arm.
However, i've seen aftermarket front and rear bushing kits for sale, with the '97 - '04 STS listed.
Can the bushings be safely replaced in the front and rear aluminium control arms, or will this damage the arm? Anyone ever tried it (successful or otherwise)?
Also wondering if the ball joint can be drilled out and replaced with an aftermarket part.
Just had the car into the shop for rear control arm bushings, had a used control arm installed, and got to thinking of the rest of the suspension.
I have a '99 STS and am wondering if the bushings in the aluminium front and rear control arms can be replaced. The dealer says no, and wants big bucks for a new lower front control arm. The factory manual shows a replacement procedure for the rear control arm bushings, and agrees with the dealer re: front control arm.
However, i've seen aftermarket front and rear bushing kits for sale, with the '97 - '04 STS listed.
Can the bushings be safely replaced in the front and rear aluminium control arms, or will this damage the arm? Anyone ever tried it (successful or otherwise)?
Also wondering if the ball joint can be drilled out and replaced with an aftermarket part.