Control Arm Replacement Vs. Bushings??

[joshuaaa]

hey has anyone done a CA change or a Bushing change and could help me find out if i have to change my CA or if i can get away with changing the bushings.. help a noobie out.

[jlevie]

Whether to replace the control arm is solely a function of the condition of the ball joints. If they are tight and have no play what so ever only the bushings need be replaced. When checking ball joints you need to push/pull/squeeze each joint using considerable force. A three foot pry bar and a very large pair of channel locks are good tools for checking ball joints. If there's any motion at all the ball joint is worn and should be replaced.

[dtdub]

If it is determined that the ball joints (at least outer ball joint) needs replacing, is it possible to press in a new ball joint, or must the whole control arm be replaced with a new one that has new ball joints already installed???

If the just the ball joint can be replaced, do people usually take it to a machine shop? Or is there away to do it yourself with a press?

[jlevie]

By the time you are done, replacing the entire control arm will be the cheaper solution.