Replacing the suspension parts (control arm, struts)...

[Campin]

Hello All...

I've delayed long enough, I need to replace the front struts and control arms (the passenger side ball joint is going) and want to do it myself.. I'll admit this job feel big to me and I'm a little worried I might be getting in over my head but really want to try, my goal is to do it over 2 days with one side a day. I've found a few online tutorials that could help and have a pdf of the service manual, however I have no power tools just regular ones, some PB blaster and a butane torch for any rusty bolts, so hope that is enough. But my question is if I'm going through all this trouble should I also replace the tie-rods, sway bars endlinks and bushings as well, I'm thinking those are wear and tear parts and maybe should be done too?

Now I'm thinking of getting the monroe quick-strut from Rock Auto for about $290 for both (including shipping), but was a little torn about which Control Arm to get? Rock Auto seems to offer a slew of them from all sorts of brands (Dorman, Mevotech, Raybestos, etc.) but I'm not sure if any of them are good? Should I just go with the much more expensive OEM part maybe? As I want to make sure I get something that is not going to break a year from now... Also if I do replace the tie rods, sway bar endlinks/bushing can I get away with cheaper parts there?

Any advice would be great thanx...

Mark

P.S a was looking through the service manual and it said to reach one of the control arm bolts on the passenger side you have to move the engine out of the way??? Is there no easy way to get that one bolt, has anyone tried?

[bubba1983]

I did my lca's this year

Driver side is straight foreward
Passenger side, you have to remove your top engine mount, and lift the engine up. The front bolt when removed on the passenger side will hit the bottom of the engine, as the bolt is too long. Nothing major.

[Hyperion]

Don't worry, it will take 3.5-4 hours if it's your first time using spring compressors and changing your struts. Just make sure everything lines up properly and sits nicely. Also make sure the j hook at the back of the strut slides into the slit and not bash into it.
I can't comment on the lca's

[peterm15]

^^^
He's using quick struts. So no need for compressors. They are straight bolt on.

Otherwise hyperion is correct. It should be an easy job.

As for the mount and lifting the engine. That's a pretty simple process in itself. Good thing is that mount is the easiest to do.

[Campin]

Hi, thanx for the reply guys...

Bubba did you get your lca from Mazda or use another brand? I'm assuming you didn't switch out the tie-rods, endlinks, etc...

Yea, Hyperion I'm using the quick struts, figure me being new at this even saving one step is worth the cost considering I'm expecting this job to take me twice as long as it should everyone else... :D

[bubba1983]

I got my lca's from napa

Didnt have a need to replace anything else as it wasnt worn....if it aint broke dont fix it lol

Quick struts are the way to go...bang in..bang out..not only a new spring, new strut to boot

[Campin]

Getting fed up with this Rockauto crap.... First I ordered the moog lca (right and left), get an out of stock reply for the left side so cancel the moog get acdelco (both sides again)... Everything's going good, says they've shipped but what I get is two boxes one has a control arm in it and the other one is a little tiny box with some plastic rings in it... WTF I think :flaming I call there customer support the guy is good makes me feel better, clears it up right away and says they'll be shipping another one, I even get to keep the shitty little rings... Happy again.. :)

Now.... just got a call from there customer support and the acdelco lca they were supposed to ship is on back order!!! BACK ORDER!!! :bang First the moog and now the acdelco... Why list this crap on you website if you can't offer it!!! Getting fed up here and the guy on the phone offers up raybestos as some consolidation prize.... Yes I know they are cheaper, but if I wanted raybestos I would have just ordered them!

Anyway this annoys me I wanted the same brand on both sides of my car, now I've already go one acdelco and I'm going to have find another one.... If I use two different brands will this screw up or make my suspension feel weird in anyway? Maybe I should make a stink an demand they take back my one acdelco lca at there own expense, assuming two different brand could mess with your suspension that is... Also anyone use Deeza? Are they good? If I do return em...

Thanx

Mark

[Johns 08 3 GT]

This is why I hate ordering online. Just go to the dealer and get the right stuff the first time on the spot.

[Como]

'If' you can get front end links out and they seem find. Just re use them. I was gonna do mine when I did my lca's but they are mega seized. There's no way I'll be able to loosen the bolts on it to remove them. Bought an angle grinder couple days ago. Will be cutting all 4 links out and replacing when I do my struts/shocks.
Did my lca's in spring. Wasn't a bad job. Brakes were worse honestly.
Also, if your struts need replacing may not be a bad idea to replace strut bearings as well. $35ea at dealer.

[Campin]

Hey Como.... Yea I bought new front end links, the moog ones were only $25 each so got em when I ordered the other stuff. Also got the monroe quick-struts that should have new bearing as well...

I've decided to just keep my Acdelco lca that was shipped to me already and I'll try to get the deeza one for the other side... I'm hoping they're comparable in quality as they are similarly priced. I guess since all of these are built to spec and since I'll have to get an alignment after this anyway it shouldn't matter too much if they're different brands..

Mark

[bubba1983]

Propaine torch, vice grips will remove the nut off your end links easy peasy