Control arms: do you replace worn parts or swap the whole thing?

[Eddo Rogue]

I have been coming across a lot of control arm bushings/ball joint etc jobs lately.

Seems there's always the option of changing out the ball joints and bushings etc..., or just replacing the entire control arm.

I have noticed the entire control arm is available for many vehicles by various manufacturers.

Are there any pros/cons? Besides the obvious price difference. Lately I have been just replacing the whole arm, which is so much easier. The only dread being the drive to the alignment shop.

My only concern is the replacement arms are not as good as the oem's, one set was much lighter than the rusted out original I replaced on a small car. Felt like they used quite thinner sheet metal.

Now I noticed while doing the brakes that my F150 needs ball joints (and probably bushings too). The upper control arm I already plan to replace entirely (found a good set).

The lower control arm is huge, not sure if it would be wise to toss instead of pressing some nice new red bushings and blue ball joint. I will say the steering stops on them are quite worn lol.

Anyways what's your take on Control arms, swap the rubber or replace the whole unit?

 

[superj]

I just swap the whole thing. Easier snd faster.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If you swap the whole thing you probably should get it aligned. If you just replace the ball joints nothing should change.

We do it when we have to at work, usually just do the lower ball joints when we can. Usually more strut hardware corrosion related than ball joint related when we replace arms.

I wouldn't screw with replacing bushings if I could get a new one though.

 

[mikkelstuff]

I like polyurethane bushings so I don't mind changing out bushings and ball joints. HOWEVER, the ball joints are not replaceable in the upper control arms for my 2002 4WD Ranger, so had to replace the control arms which come with new bushings.

Then too, replacing the lower ball joints in same 2002 4WD Ranger was a b*tch of a job to press out the old ones and press in the new. If it weren't for messing with the torsion bars, I would have replaced the lower control arms.

 

[Roert42]

Like previously states, sometimes it's not an option.

I think it really comes down to a parts cost vs time thing.

I'm sure a lot of do it yourself at home jobbers like the all in one deal. due it the fact you don't need as much in the way of special tools.

I've always replaced the bushings and ball joints and kept the OEM arm. I've got all the tools available to me, and most of the time I would rather spend the time then the money.

 

[Curious Hound]

On some years, it may not be an option. On my 97 F150, I found out somehow that the OEM ball joints were not meant to be replaceable. So I replaced control arms. But my replacement control arms now have replaceable ball joints.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

On some years, it may not be an option. On my 97 F150, I found out somehow that the OEM ball joints were not meant to be replaceable. So I replaced control arms. But my replacement control arms now have replaceable ball joints.

Uppers yes, you can replace the lower ball joints though.

 

[Curious Hound]

That’s right. I forgot that was just uppers. The upper control arms don’t cost much.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

For the F150, I already have complete new (extended) uppers, and shocks. Figured handle the lowers as well and do it all in one shot.

I watched a youtube video and they looked way worse than mine do. Suddenly it seems less urgent.

It might have just been the wheel bearings, because I did the brakes/rotors/bearings and now its much better.

I dont think the ball joints are worn (yet), but the boots are torn from being stretched by the leveling kit. I am hoping the extended new upper arms will fix this.

The rack and pinion is leaking on one side, so I will probably replace that too while wrenching. I heard not to bother rebuilding those, found a good oem reman.

Seems swapping just the ball joint would save me an alignment, but I will need one anyways...and figure if I'm doin all this, might as well get the bushings too, by which I mean swap the whole lower arm. I do have a shop press, but don't like using it.

The new uppers have poly bushings, not sure yet what I'm gonna go with on the lowers, based on options. Probably rubber.

On the passenger cars, I have been swapping the entire control arm(s), with great ease and results. Luckily the alignment shop is literally a mile down the road. Pretty sure I covered his shop rent this month.