Incredibly, the very-early control arm bushings were too compliant and allowed metal to strike metal to produce a knocking sound over rough surfaces. These were replaced with ones which were firmer. The switch occurred at some point in U.S. MY2003. It seems perhaps you have a bushing of each type.

 

Thanks bobterry, thats useful to know.

I have a UK 2004 car, maybe half the car was made before the crossover point. 😬

Surprising that both types are still available though.

 

When I replaced mine both were the solid version for my APR2003 build. Not sure of your car history, perhaps a previous owner replaced one with older stock that may have existed? BTW, how did the universal press tool work for you?


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Hey there, yes its probably the most likely reason that a bush was replaced - guess after a few years with aluminium oxidising its difficult to age things - since both arms and bush look the same sort of age.

I replaced the front thrust arms about 6 months ago, these were new items but they had the softer bush's in. I wonder now if I need to replace these with the solid versions. Although I dont have any clonks, I did have and still have a steering shimmy at 40mph that is the reason for all this investigation. Do you think just having soft bush's would allow steering shimmy ? ( assume the wheels / tyres have been ruled out )

The universal press tool arrived, unfortunately one of the M14 nut assemblies was drilled off centre and at an angle so as you tightened it pulled the cup eccentrically. Even using this nut assembly as the 'non tightening' side - it was lopsided so only contacted the cup at a point.

I tried the M12 threaded bar in the press tool, however it seemed so tight I was afraid of snapping this smaller bar.

I wasn't so comfortable with the press cup not aligning onto the bush, so I started to turn a recess onto the cup which would then locate itself centrally onto the bush, however ..... lathe belt snapped 🙄

Hence at present awaiting a lathe belt and some M14 hi tensile nuts and washers.

The 27 piece universal press tool was such good value, even with a bit of fettling required - I still think its worth persevering, compared to removing the lower arm completely or spending £300 on getting the dedicated tool.

 

Bummer you had an issue with the tool. One thing I did do before pressing the bushings out is to spray some penetrating oil on the bushings which I think made it a little easier. Hope you have success when you get a new nut.


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Why do the control arms squeak? And why, when I was at the dealership doing a test drive, did they not squeak?

 

Weather / temperature dependant ?

 

Just realised I had not updated this. By swapping out the control arms to the ones with stiffer bush's this eliminated the 40mph steering shimmy I had.
Febi on their website list two different types by VIN.

This is a lesson to me, to not trust the ebay vehicle check tool - that checks its the right part for your car. In my instance it was wrong.

 

I know the thread is a little old, I have the same problem. You referenced the thrust arm in the beginning of the thread. Just wondering if the fix was the thrust arm bushings or the control arm bushings?