03 LeSabre Front Control Arms
#1
Junior Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hellsville, Alabama
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
03 LeSabre Front Control Arms
I am refurbishing this car. I have removed the control arms only to find the bushings are ripped and just plain ugly. The control arm is good...the bushings are bad and since I am this deep I thought I would replace the ball joint also. All I seem to find are complete control arm assemblies w/bushings and ball joints. I am afraid of those because of quality issues and the low price. Is there no bushings that can be replaced on these factory control arms? Please educate me.
Also what brand of replacement ball joint do some of you mechs recommend?
Thanks! Bob
Also what brand of replacement ball joint do some of you mechs recommend?
Thanks! Bob
#2
Senior Member
Posts like a Supercharger
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Beltsville,MD
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am refurbishing this car. I have removed the control arms only to find the bushings are ripped and just plain ugly. The control arm is good...the bushings are bad and since I am this deep I thought I would replace the ball joint also. All I seem to find are complete control arm assemblies w/bushings and ball joints. I am afraid of those because of quality issues and the low price. Is there no bushings that can be replaced on these factory control arms? Please educate me.
Also what brand of replacement ball joint do some of you mechs recommend?
Thanks! Bob
Also what brand of replacement ball joint do some of you mechs recommend?
Thanks! Bob
#3
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Dover, NH
Posts: 7,122
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
the bushing are not replaceable. when the control arm is made they are put in vulcanized (in molten form) so to get new ones you need to get a new control arm
#4
Junior Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hellsville, Alabama
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sawgunner, I was afraid of that! Of course they are not available from GM anymore. I found these Dorman replacements that include the bushings and the ball joint actually riveted in. DORMAN Part # 520169 and DORMAN Part # 520170 Any comments as to quality? Durability? OR would I be better to visit the junkyard?
#6
Administratus Emeritus
Certified Car Nut
X2 with Dorman. They are good quality "middle of the road" for off the shelf parts. Are the ball joints permaseal or greasable?
#7
Senior Member
Posts like a Supercharger
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Beltsville,MD
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know that the moog stuff that I use have grease points on them yet, I havent seen any Dorman Balljoints to tell you if they are sealed or have grease points...anyone??
#9
Junior Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Hellsville, Alabama
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks guys...it seems that if one does want to replace the control arm bushings there is only one way to go and that is dorman. Talking on the side with my local buick parts guy there seems to be a secret place stocked full of obsolete parts just for the repair guys at buick. He said he'd give me the number but that I would never get anything out of them....oh well....another secret society...lol...I am purchasing the dormans and will be happy to post my results.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post