so I'm not exactly sure how to check the condition of the control arm bushings but I did this......jack car up, remove tires, do a visual all around and I stuck a flat head screwdriver below the rear bushing (21 bolt) and above the bushing. I can not see very well into that narrow space but I can easily get up and down movement at the bushing with zero effort. I don't know if they are supposed to have that kind of travel or if they are supposed to be fairly rigid with a good condition rubber bushing. And btw, I did same to both left and right with same results. So either both are bad or i don't know how to test it. replies requested.

 

All 4 on ground in park. Attempt to roll each front tire fore & aft if the body does not move the bushings are bad.

 

 

well, i put it on ground and tried rolling back and forth, but neither side seems to be giving at all before rolling car. I did see a guy on youtube conducting this test, and I am not getting any play in the wheels like he did at all. The car does exhibit every symptom of bushings but I am not sure now. Shaking and steering wheel vibration on braking and somewhat of a very stiff feel over bumps. I am a capable diy guy on my cars for years, and I can handle this repair. Just not sure exactly what is causing it.

 

 

would the stabilizer shaft links (bars) cause this shaking by any chance? And not the control arm? My driver side link looks a little beat up. Rubber bushings or balls kind of torn up.

 

The sway bar doesn't do that.
Have you inspected the rear brakes?
It is possible the rotors are warped.
Bsll joints.
intermediate steering shaft.
The screw driver test would indicate the bushing, strange.

 

Now we are back to square one!!! We've given you several suggestions towards replacing the Lower Control Arms, including two methods of diagnosing the problem. But since at this point with you "Just not sure exactly what is causing it", it's time to take it to a shop for them to take a look at it.

 

It's a 10 year old car that a year ago had 130k miles on it. What now, 140k, 150K ? If you've never replaced any suspension parts, I'll bet you've got a LOT of worn parts under there.
Better plan on spending a little money to fix it right.
Struts, shocks, LCA's, end links etc. all need to be looked at.