My dealership informed me that I have cracked bushings. I was wondering what problems this will cause if not fixed right away (since it is kind of expensive to do at the dealership).
The strut bushings. The dealership wanted $600 for both sides since they said they couldn't just replace the bushings by themselves and needed to replace the full arm.
Worn bushings will eventually cause damage to other components. They are designed to allow components to move without metal to metal contact and/or to provide a form of shock cushiong within a system, such as your suspension system.
It's better to do the repair sooner rather than later. It's much like worn brake pads. It's cheaper to replace just the pads vs. waiting until you've damaged the rotors.
The strut bushings. The dealership wanted $600 for both sides since they said they couldn't just replace the bushings by themselves and needed to replace the full arm.
Forget the stealership! The bushings of the tension strut can be replaced, but it's hardly worth it what with the ball joints on the opposite end of the strut having the same number of miles on them. Complete strut assemblies are available online for like $60 or so each. A 'shade tree' mechanic with a few decent tools (jack, jack stands, sockets, ratchets, open,box wrenches, "pickle fork", penetrating oil, breaker bar, screwdrivers, etc.) can do the job in his driveway, as I and many others have done, in 2-2&1/2 hours. An experienced independent mechanic could easily do it in less than 2 hours. At $75-100/hour the total comes to $270-$320.
I have written a DIY (complete with lots of pictures) based on my experience. If you would like it drop me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll send you a reply with the DIY attached.
EDIT: Frontend squeaks and clunking, eventually with excessive tire wear due to misalignment.
Last edited by DESIREE; 12-19-2012 at 10:27 AM.
Reason: To answer the original question "What problems will cracked bushings cause? "
The Following User Says Thank You to DESIREE For This Useful Post:
Hi I have been trying track down a creeking noice coming from the front when I enter in to a turn, I have now replaced on both sides the upper controll arms, the track rod ends, both the lower control arms, all the ball joints, the wheel Berings and discs and pads. I have also had all geometry checked and corrected and I am still getting a Creeking noice from the front end, it is driving me nuts. Can any one help? Or has any one had the same problem?
Cheers
Pedders will be able to perform an inspection and report of your suspension and steering. They should only charge $20 or so.
Have you taken it to a professional suspension shop for their opinion?
Just a suggestion - have you checked or changed the power steering fluid? Sometimes the power steering pump can give a creaking noise during turns.
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