Control arm recommendations?

jrich7720 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 11:31 PM

I need to replace my lower control arms, can anyone make a suggestion as to what I should get. Cost doesn't really concern me, I want something that will perform considerably better than OEMs.

jayjaya29 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 11:37 PM

There are no options beyond OEM unfortunately.

Only thing you can do is change bushings to poly to stiffen things up.

carbonaltima · #3 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 04:51 AM

maybe something from the sentra se-r might be compatible?

jrich7720 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 03:17 PM

Well, that bites.

I did a search before posting this thread, and did notice a lot of threads on control arm bushings.Guess that's why.

I assume I wouldn't be gaining anything by paying more at the dealership, as opposed to buying them at Pep Boys, etc.?

jayjaya29 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 01:04 AM

For integral suspension components such as the lower control arms I would always prefer OEM.

allblackedout111 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 02:03 AM

I bought beck arnley (SP??) from autopartwarehouse.com

Never had any problems and fit perfectly. There are no better than OEM control arm options for our car, albeit custom.

jrich7720 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 04:43 AM

I'm checking out rockauto.com, and they actually have 4 options for control arms. I see Beck Arnley among them. Anyone know anything about AC Delco's arms? Or Raybestos?

allblackedout111 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 05:12 AM

^With an item as important as a control arm, I doubt any manufacturer can really skimp that much on quality. They all have to be pretty good, you know?

jrich7720 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 05:27 AM

I feel you, but it kind of makes you wonder what the difference is between an $80 control arm, and a $200 control arm, you know?

allblackedout111 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 04:30 PM

^most likely the quality of the rubber bushings and the ball joint, but the metal is probably all mostly the same.

In this case you probably get mostly what you pay for. A 200 control probably has a high quality ball joint, strong thick welds, and good quality rubber bushings.

Not saying the $80 one is BAD, i'm sure the cheap one would work perfectly fine (like I was saying manufacturers can't really skimp on such an important part) I think my beck arnley one was like $118, and it's perfect and has lasted fine for about the year it's been on my car.

But if cost doesn't concern you and you want the best quality, go for the $200 one. I know that OEM ones are about $350, so $200 really isn't that bad.

eclypse · #11 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 04:33 PM

honestly unless you really know what you're doing, i wouldnt want to change the OEM one anyway. just cus you "did a control arm swap" doesnt mean you improved anything. stiffening up the factory bushings and getting a good ball joint and/or bracing it is really your best bet. unless you've just mangled the factory one, remove it and get everything pressed in at NAPA or a shop, and reinstall that one. saves $$ and lets you get higher quality parts where it counts.

allblackedout111 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 04:42 PM

^I think he just needs to replace his because his are worn out....I don't think he was particularly looking to upgrade anything

jrich7720 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 05:10 PM

I smashed up my front sway bar and driver's side control arm about a year and a half ago, and replaced both with junkyard parts.

The ball joint on the junkyard control arm was already pretty ragged, and I've noticed to passenger side is as well.

I've just noticed my car groans when going over little bumps, and I'm no mechanic, but I figure that's the sound of the ungreased ball joints, yes?

I'm going to be rebuilding the front brakes with better parts, converting the rear to discs, replacing my outer tie rod ends, all four struts, and the lower control arms.

Seeing as how the two control arms are the only parts I need to pay for(my grandfather owns a salvage yard, and has people he can trade with), and that I don't yet have, I figure I may as well spend some money on whatever will best improve the comfort of my car's ride. I take long trips from Nashville to D.C., or Nashville to New Orleans.

Thanks for all the input!

jrich7720 · #14 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 05:13 PM

Actually, I do plan on reading up on the bushings.

allblackedout111 · #15 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 05:14 PM

yea dude, you should be fine with any of the brands of control arms. I've never heard anyone on here ever having a problem with a new control arm. don't know what brands everyone has been using but i've never heard any problems. GL with all the work, doing all that will certainly vastly improve the driving experience of the car. It'll be night and day!