PonyUp

Hi!
So, got my 05 V6 inspected today and the dealer said the Lower control Arm was worn, and needed to be replaced before my car could get inspection passed. Question is, does the whole thing NEED to be replaced at a cost of $300+ or can they replace a the actual part that failed, like a bearing or bushing??? I have like a week to get it done so any input you have would be great!

CroDalmatinac

Um...I don't know what kind of inspection you are doing but mine never checked my suspension.

themac5150

What's worn about it? Get the part and do it yourself, 2 bolts, disco the parking brake cable. I would have the dealer show me what is wrong with it. You can get SVTGT500 LCA's for $118
http://www.partsmaxx.com/2007-08-SVT...WiZlNj6qVXIgul
As you can see, on the GT500 LCAs, the bushings don't appear to be repairable, but why would you. 2 bolts for the entire LCA, or 6 rivets, and the 2 bolts. How much are they claiming the labor to be, this is less work than a shock.

PonyUp

Usually I take the car to a "joe shomoe" gas station for the inpsection, but stupid me took it to the dealer (got the oil changed and some other stuff at the same time). They said it was the "Drivers side Ball Joint , Lower Control Arm"

themac5150

Then you're referring to the front,
http://www.partsmaxx.com/2007-2008-S...P2919C183.aspx
The front has a ball joint. I don't know if that is replaceable or not. Older cars, yes you could replace the ball joint. Let me guess, not covered under warranty.

themac5150

If the ball joint is worn, the wheel will move in directions it isn't supposed to move, usually with a "clunk". All of the ball joints I have replaced, were pressed into the assemblies they were attached to, and not fun to change, and usually involved the destruction of the old one in the process.

ODDYSEY

Do you have an excessive amount of miles on your car? Ball joints should not wear out of cars in 3 years.

themac5150

Ball joints aren't super expensive, and a service department would have the tools to do it quick. Still can't see the cost being that high if the ball joint itself is replaceable. Not that much to unbolt if the entire L arm had to be removed to do it. Just went and looked at mine, looks like the only real obstacle is the inner tie rod obscures the forward L arm bolt.

PonyUp

Yes, it is the front. They told me they were going to order the whole thing. The car has about 63K miles...

157dB

http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=61&viewfile...ower%20Arm.pdf

Which item are they claiming to be worn so much
that it wont pass inspection?