Suspension issue, PLEASE HELP ASAP

[mattpresley]

ok so I need to replace upper control arms. Would it be possible just to get an alignment for now. I live paycheck to paycheck(Usually broke within a few days after recieving paycheck) and cannot forsee myself having the funds to fix this issue anytime soon though I will be saving. whats the worst that can happen from putting off upper control arms while driving 500 Miles a week

 

[mattpresley]

bump

 

[wahlstrom1]

Lots...if you lose an upper balljoint, your tire goes crashing into/out-of your wheel well causing more damage and leaves you with a useless vehicle. This could cause you to lose control, and cause a collision resulting in loss of life etc. They can't do an alignment with loose parts, like trying to sign your name on a sheet of paper when someones moving the clipboard around under your pen.

 

[mattpresley]

Lots...if you lose an upper balljoint, your tire goes crashing into/out-of your wheel well causing more damage and leaves you with a useless vehicle. This could cause you to lose control, and cause a collision resulting in loss of life etc. They can't do an alignment with loose parts, like trying to sign your name on a sheet of paper when someones moving the clipboard around under your pen.

Well another option to consider may be an auto repair loan then! It feels like my problem is getting worse and worse too. Tonight I went to the store(4 miles highway) and the newly worse ride quality is scaring me. also noticing during right turns that my left tire squeals no matter how slow I go. thanks for you input wahlstrom. you have a great night

 

[YZ250Rider23]

I know you said you don't do suspension work, but you should consider it in this case... You could save hundreds.

once the wheel is off it's literally 3 bolts. The upper arm isn't under tension when the vehicle is lifted, as the shock and the lower control arm hold the spring tension.

If you try and tackle this, you'll need a good jack, jackstands, and a few hand tools. Just lift the front, support the frame with the stands. Remove the front tires. Remove the rubber splash shield near the control arm, this will expose your arm bolts. Spray down the nuts with penetrating oil, and break them loose. Then loosen and remove the bolt that pinches the upper ball joint stud in place, when the stud slides up out of the knuckle, be ready for the knuckle to tip hard in any direction, and you don't want it to yank the brake hose. Then just remove the arm nuts, the arm alignment plates (either remember the positioning of these exactly, or replace them with camber/caster adjustment plates), remove the bolts and then the control arm. Installation is reversed, IIRC arm bolt torque is about 100 ft lbs (really tight), and the pinch bolt is about 20-25 lbs (pretty tight). Grease the joints, and get it aligned immediately.

Seriously, consider it. The cost for two arms is under 200 dollars, add 40 for an alignment and 40 for stands, and you're talking about big savings here. Employ the help of a handy friend if ya need to.

 

[jax4bangin]

I know you said you don't do suspension work, but you should consider it in this case... You could save hundreds.

once the wheel is off it's literally 3 bolts. The upper arm isn't under tension when the vehicle is lifted, as the shock and the lower control arm hold the spring tension.

If you try and tackle this, you'll need a good jack, jackstands, and a few hand tools. Just lift the front, support the frame with the stands. Remove the front tires. Remove the rubber splash shield near the control arm, this will expose your arm bolts. Spray down the nuts with penetrating oil, and break them loose. Then loosen and remove the bolt that pinches the upper ball joint stud in place, when the stud slides up out of the knuckle, be ready for the knuckle to tip hard in any direction, and you don't want it to yank the brake hose. Then just remove the arm nuts, the arm alignment plates (either remember the positioning of these exactly, or replace them with camber/caster adjustment plates), remove the bolts and then the control arm. Installation is reversed, IIRC arm bolt torque is about 100 ft lbs (really tight), and the pinch bolt is about 20-25 lbs (pretty tight). Grease the joints, and get it aligned immediately.

Seriously, consider it. The cost for two arms is under 200 dollars, add 40 for an alignment and 40 for stands, and you're talking about big savings here. Employ the help of a handy friend if ya need to.

i agree!