I just replaced my tie rod ends and cv joints/boots.
When I went to get an alignment, the guy tells me the lower ball joints have too much
play to be aligned.

So,
Can I just replace the bushings with a new bushing set, or should I replace the entire control arm?

Here is a link to the bushing set:
http://www.blauparts.com/proddetail....od=MA21032%2DC

Here is a link to the lower control arm set:
http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/...productID=6095


Are the bushings pressed in?
Are they easy to remove?

Thanks.

 

I have never replaced just the bushings. There is surely a huge difference in price. If a control arm was wearing out, I replaced the entire set. I liked the idea of replacing a failing component with something brand new with zero miles on them. I like the idea of them being clean also. I am just **** about my car.

OOOO

 

I agree! change them all at once, do the whole kit... they'll eventually go

 

Yeah,
When I was under there, the bushings for the lower and upper arms looked squishy.
I guess I'll go ahead and replace the entire assembly.



What is a good test for shocks?

I dont think they are bad, but sometimes if I come off a speed table too fast the shocks seem to compress a bit more
than they should.
But, I'm not sure if it's my imagination.

 

For a simple and accurate shock test, just push down on the fender or quarter directly above the wheel and release. The car should raise back up and stop. If it bouces, you have issues.

 

Joeski has the right idea.....if you push on the corner of the car the shock recoil should return it to ride height without bouncing. However, even if it does your shocks/struts may still need to be replaced.

Have your shocks ever been replaced? How many miles on the vehicle?

 

If I push the corner of the car down, it seems fine.
But, If I go over a decent lump, they compress a pretty good bit.

Could the control arms have anything to do with it?
Like I posted earlier, the most of the bushings are mushrooming out.

The car has about 135k miles and the shocks have not been replaced as far as I know.

 

The amount of flex of the control arm shouldn't really be noticable from inside the car. Yes it will impact handling to a degree, but it is probably more of a safety issue and a noise issue than a compression/handling issue. The most common complaint when the control arm bushings start to go is more of a clunk sound when you go over bumps.

That being said, if your car has 135k on the clock and is still running factory shocks - then yes, I would recommend replacements. You will obviously feel a dramatic difference and it should tighten things back up. Do it at the same time you do the other suspension work and that thing will ride like new again.

 

Your shocks are not what controls the compression. Your springs do that. The job of the shocks is to control the rebound.
It is likely that your springs are worn out. Typically you would replace the shocks at the same time because of the labor involved.
In the end you car just might handle like new, or even better if you install performance parts.

 

After a bit of research concerning the shocks...
That looks like a major job. Not so much the labor, but the tools required.

Would I be better off getting this service from a shop?

I know I could do it myself, but price the tools scares me a bit.
I haven't searched too much, but I have yet to find the VAG1752/1...7 for rent.

I really like the idea of using the money I save on service to stock my tool cabinet.