Replacing Lower Control Arms
02-26-2014, 05:02 PM
#31
Join Date: 02-15-2014
Location: Washington
Posts: 6
OK, I must be wrong, wrong, wrong. When I asked for an arm for a FE1 they showed me a fabricated one. When I asked for an arm for a FE3 they showed me an aluminum one. So much for dealers. I bought the aluminum one and was assured it was the correct one. After pushing, pulling, beating, etc, etc I could not get the rear bushing in. Measuring it I found the old rear bushing is 50.5 mm and the new one is 55.5 mm. Don't think I can beat that one in.
Last edited by FARMBOY1938; 02-26-2014 at 08:04 PM.
02-26-2014, 08:42 PM
#32
Technical Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,692
Why are you replacing the bushing in a new LCA? You didn't get a "complete" LCA? What's the point of replacing just the Arm, the bushings are what wear out? Compare the size of the Arms, you may have gotten an FE-5 part, sound like your dealer is challenged.
Anyway the real way to get the right part is to look at what is on the car and get the same.
I am so confused.
Anyway the real way to get the right part is to look at what is on the car and get the same.
I am so confused.
02-27-2014, 02:47 AM
#33
Platinum Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,032
X2!!!
I'm not sure where the 50.5 mm and 55.5 mm bushings come into play as the stock one is 60.2mm according to my records. Obviously a 55.5 will not, no, will NEVER fit into a 50.5 mm hole.
Lower Control Arm
- Duralast (autozone) P/N - 521-025 - (includes lower ball joint and both bushings installed) - Drivers side
- Duralast (autozone) P/N - 521-026 - (includes lower ball joint and both - bushings installed) - Passenger side
Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing
Duralast (autozone) P/N - FB782 (2.37" or 60.2mm outer diameter)
I'm not sure where the 50.5 mm and 55.5 mm bushings come into play as the stock one is 60.2mm according to my records. Obviously a 55.5 will not, no, will NEVER fit into a 50.5 mm hole.
Lower Control Arm
- Duralast (autozone) P/N - 521-025 - (includes lower ball joint and both bushings installed) - Drivers side
- Duralast (autozone) P/N - 521-026 - (includes lower ball joint and both - bushings installed) - Passenger side
Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing
Duralast (autozone) P/N - FB782 (2.37" or 60.2mm outer diameter)
02-27-2014, 09:21 AM
#34
Join Date: 02-15-2014
Location: Washington
Posts: 6
Yes, I bought the complete replacement control arms from Premium Auto Parts in Detroit. I am talking about the length of the bushing not the diameter. According to AutoNation, these are the correct control arms but I have now proven, beyond any reasonable doubt, that they are not. Unfortunately, they look identical until you put a set of calipers on the height of the rear bushing.
They are marked:
P/N - A521-025 - (includes lower ball joint and both bushings installed) - Drivers side
P/N - A521-026 - (includes lower ball joint and both bushings installed) - Passenger side
So, Now I am really confused too.
They are marked:
P/N - A521-025 - (includes lower ball joint and both bushings installed) - Drivers side
P/N - A521-026 - (includes lower ball joint and both bushings installed) - Passenger side
So, Now I am really confused too.
02-27-2014, 11:44 AM
#36
Platinum Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,032
Oh the reference to the bushings measurements (50.5 and 55.0mm) were the HEIGHT!!! and you were referring to getting the rear of the lower control arm mounted into the frame!!!
Well, if they are obviously the wrong part - send them back!!! Grab a set from autozone and check them out for the right height of that bushing.
Well, if they are obviously the wrong part - send them back!!! Grab a set from autozone and check them out for the right height of that bushing.
02-27-2014, 12:25 PM
#37
Join Date: 02-15-2014
Location: Washington
Posts: 6
Oh the reference to the bushings measurements (50.5 and 55.0mm) were the HEIGHT!!! and you were referring to getting the rear of the lower control arm mounted into the frame!!!
Well, if they are obviously the wrong part - send them back!!! Grab a set from autozone and check them out for the right height of that bushing.
Well, if they are obviously the wrong part - send them back!!! Grab a set from autozone and check them out for the right height of that bushing.
02-27-2014, 12:42 PM
#38
Platinum Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 7,032
02-27-2014, 04:13 PM
#39
Technical Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,692
EBAY!!!!!! I have a pair in my garage that cost $160 shipped. They are all made in the same Chinese factory, whatever the label on them says.
One of my favorites is Prime Choice; part number (pair) CAK857. Cross ref # K620292(MOOG, I think) & MS50114(Dorman. I think).
You can have those Whopper.
MAKE THAT MS50174 that would be Mevotech
One of my favorites is Prime Choice; part number (pair) CAK857. Cross ref # K620292(MOOG, I think) & MS50114(Dorman. I think).
You can have those Whopper.
MAKE THAT MS50174 that would be Mevotech
Last edited by donbrew; 03-05-2014 at 08:40 PM. Reason: fixed typo
03-04-2014, 10:00 AM
#40
Join Date: 08-06-2013
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 7
Duralast or NAPA
Any preference/quality from those who have installed Lower Control Arms? The cost difference is about $22 each ($44 total). Duralast from AutoZone is cheaper and I have not had any previous problems using AutoZone but this is ball joints/LCA and not spark plugs. Thanks.