Just Bushings or Control Arms?

[nostromo]

Mechanic examined the car and told me that both front bushings are completely worn and need to be replaced. Online I am seeing the option to purchase just the bushings or the entire control arms with bushings.

I can save a lot of money by just replacing the bushings. Is this okay? I mean if the control arm is fine.

Does one type of bushing fit left and right sides? Specifically, this one:

https://www.autopartsway.ca/partdeta...ol-arm-bushing

[Daox]

The bushings need to be pressed in. A shop can do it, but you'll have to pay them. I've done it both ways on cars and its a wash price wise most of the time. I now just buy control arms with bushings. Its quicker to do and costs the same (most of the time).

By the way, welcome to the site!

[jimzdat]

To echo what Daox said; just spend the extra and get the complete units, your patience level will thank you later.

If you buy just the bushings, then you have the following scenario:
Remove control arms
Transport control arms and new bushings to machine shop
Find out that machine shop won't be able to get to it for the next 3 days because of reasons
Drive back home and flip off the Aveo that is now going to sit on jackstands for 3 extra days
Go back to pick up control arms, come back home
Go to install control arms and realize that you managed to damage the ball joint boots when disassembling them, or the ball joints are rusted and sloppy
Order new ball joints, wait a few days for them to arrive
Finally reassemble car a week later than hoped
Go to alignment shop, since you've now effectively altered the front suspension geometry and don't want to tear up the tires


Easier method:
Buy complete control arms
Remove old arms
Bolt in new arms
Go to alignment shop

I have a press for bearings and whatnot, and I won't waste the time pressing those bushings in and out - not worth the cost savings when you factor in frustration....

[nostromo]

Thanks for the responses guys. You have undoubtedly saved me a lot of wasted time and effort. I am just going to order two complete control arms.