Whole new lower control arm or just bushings?

[Don Holg]

I have a 2007 Mazda 3i. 2.0L 100,000km. Months ago I was told by a mechanic that the control arm busing was torn. Didn’t do anything about it because I was having no symptoms. Now I’m having symptoms. So is it easier to replace just the bushings in the control arm or is it better just to replace the whole thing? I’d rather not have to deal with the ball joint, but if I’m going to have to take the whole thing off to replace the bushings then maybe I should just do the whole thing. Any advice welcome. Thanks

Topic

[EricTheCarGuy]

Funny you should ask. It wasn’t but a week ago I replace the bushings on the front lower control arms of my Honda Element. To say it was challenging, would be something of an understatement. Video forthcoming. That said, at the end of the video I said you CAN replace bushings instead of the component, but, by the time you’re done, you might as well have replace the entire component and been done with it. After you get done purchasing the tools, or paying someone to do it for you, the price of the part may come out cheaper.

Good luck and keep us posted on how you sort things out.

[Don Holg]

That’s what I suspected. Thanks! Shopping for a lower control arm this week.

[kpsolomon2]

Hi Eric,
Funny indeed. I too was just researching the replacement of the lower ball joints & control arm bushings in my Element as well. So after your experience you think it would be cheaper (I already know it will be easier) to just buy new lower arms?

Thanks,
Ken

[Author]

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