[kittyboy]

I would like to know what the attached images represent, I have been experiencing some vibrations so I inspected my front end, I noticed that the drivers side LCA bushing has a bunch of aluminum metal shavings, the forward one, make sure to zoom in to get a good look around the periphery of the bushing and LCA? I also attached an image of the passenger side, it looks much better in comparison. The bushing is still centered well, What is this?

 

[Sudderth]

The bst thing I can say is the guy at the alignment shop had the car in the air and he was in it putting it in drive and reverse. The bushings on mine were so worn the control arm bushing had about a half inch of play when he went from forward to reverse. We filmed with an iPhone and it was verified. These were less than one year old control arms from General Motors, courtesy of Rockauto. Got a refund and bought a different brand from Rockauto. These have lasted over two years now. I don't track the vehicle but do drive it... Anyway, that is my suggestion.

 

[kittyboy]

The bst thing I can say is the guy at the alignment shop had the car in the air and he was in it putting it in drive and reverse. The bushings on mine were so worn the control arm bushing had about a half inch of play when he went from forward to reverse. We filmed with an iPhone and it was verified. These were less than one year old control arms from General Motors, courtesy of Rockauto. Got a refund and bought a different brand from Rockauto. These have lasted over two years now. I don't track the vehicle but do drive it... Anyway, that is my suggestion.

Did you purchase the LCA as an assembly, or press-in after market bushings on the new one?

 

[Sudderth]

I have a twenty ton press but took the lazy way out and just bought new lower control arms.

 

[specialp]

I have a twenty ton press but took the lazy way out and just bought new lower control arms.

In a parallel universe somewhere your are doing the bushings and cursing every minute of it. Good move

 

[BigDuderShooter]

Pressing the big LCA bushings out where a bhaaatch. I swear it took all 20 tons of pressure and then you hear a big snap and they break loose. The others are relatively easy. The hardest part is aligning the awkward arms so you're pressing straight and not tweaking the hell out of them.

The CS bushings were an easy install. With zirks they will be easy to maintain. And when the time comes they will be much easier to replace as well.

Those metal shaving are peculiar. They could be there from a previous replacement of the LCA bushings or if not then look representative of the bushing moving around. They look fresh and shiny so probably haven't been there a long time.

 

[kittyboy]

Those metal shaving are peculiar. They could be there from a previous replacement of the LCA bushings or if not then look representative of the bushing moving around. They look fresh and shiny so probably haven't been there a long time.

Thank you, I thought they might have been original, but the rest don't have that. So... Guess I'll order a GM LCA assembly.

 

[MrSurly]

I'm curious if that bushing can be turned or moved (with channellocks), once you take the arm off.

 

[Sudderth]

The factory design cannot be moved

 

[kittyboy]

If I understand, you are curious to learn if the outer bushing ring is loose enough inside the LCA to the point it may freely turn with little force? I will do this using channel lock pliers and follow-up once I receive my new steel engine support and replacement LCA. It's just weird how only one of the bushings appears this way, I would have expected the pair?

 

[Sudderth]

Interesting, I just replaced both of mine with new ones from Rockauto. My rubber bushings were torn and really loose. the metal collar was fine.

 

[kittyboy]

Interesting, I just replaced both of mine with new ones from Rockauto. My rubber bushings were torn and really loose. the metal collar was fine.

Were they OEM?

 

[Sudderth]

First I bought OEM from Rockauto. The rear bushings fails before the warranty was up. Sent them back got credit from GM bought aftermarket from Rockauto. Only $108 each. Been over a year now and all is well.

 

[kittyboy]

Interesting, I just replaced both of mine with new ones from Rockauto. My rubber bushings were torn and really loose. the metal collar was fine.

How's it going, looks like due to OEM back orders I might just try-out after market LCAs. You said you ordered from Rock Auto, how are they working out so far? Also read that there may be slight material removal required near the ball joint, did you need to perform any 'fitment' mods prior to install? Thanks

 

[kittyboy]

I would like to know what the attached images represent, I have been experiencing some vibrations so I inspected my front end, I noticed that the drivers side LCA bushing has a bunch of aluminum metal shavings, the forward one, make sure to zoom in to get a good look around the periphery of the bushing and LCA? I also attached an image of the passenger side, it looks much better in comparison. The bushing is still centered well, What is this? View attachment 158620 View attachment 158621 View attachment 158622

See follow-up (NEW) image additional inspection. Appears the 1st shop when dropping the cradle may have caused the bushing damage? NOTE 'dimple' common to the bushing ring and slight deformation 'dent' of the LCA, The NEW image is the AFT view of the drivers side image

. What are your thoughts? Thanks

 

[kittyboy]

In a parallel universe somewhere your are doing the bushings and cursing every minute of it. Good move

Rock Auto has three different after market LCA manufactured parts available. You have any preference Mevotech, Dorman, SKP? ty

 

[Sudderth]

Any of the aftermarkets are good on Rock Auto. I bought a set of GM lower control arms and the bushings failed before the two year warranty was up. Rockauto refunded the cost and I bought the Mevotech and they have been going strong for over a year. We will see how they hold up in the long term. But, for now they outperform the GM ones.

 

[kittyboy]

I always try to stay OEM, even though I know it's a fact that there are sometimes better after market parts available. Your experience is good enough for me! Thanks

 

[kittyboy]

Any of the aftermarkets are good on Rock Auto. I bought a set of GM lower control arms and the bushings failed before the two year warranty was up. Rockauto refunded the cost and I bought the Mevotech and they have been going strong for over a year. We will see how they hold up in the long term. But, for now they outperform the GM ones.

Ordered the Mevotech LH RH LCA from Rock Auto, $512 with shipping and tax, not a bargain, but they were available and Mevotech products had very good reviews!

 

[Sudderth]

Those are what I bought after the GM originals failed. They work great and no movement.