How To Replace Front Control Arms

[Zotaga]

I've looked on YouTube.. nothing.. I've Googled it and still nothing.. has anyone done this before and if so, how easy is it to do? Steps?

[schmat66]

JrCanuck ? lol

pretty sure one bolt for the ball joint into the knuckle.

then iirc 3 bolts to the subframe

[JrCanuck]

Ball joint, and a couple easily accessible nuts along the sub as Ryan stated. An hour job in and out.

[Zotaga]

Is it easy to do the passenger side one? That's where I'm hearing the noise over major bumps. Almost 100% positive it's a control arm. Replaced everything else lol..

[JrCanuck]

Yep. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

[gabbygenier]

as mentioned, easy as long as you dont run into seized bushings onto bolts.

both driver and passenger side for mine the bolt was seized into the bushing. took a bit longer but all we did was cut the bolt off and replaced it. bolt is 8$ i think at the dealer.

[Zotaga]

Kk, that's not soo bad then.. I was worried that I had to jack the engine up to get to the bolts :\

I hope mine goes well.. I might only do the right side as that's where the problem is.. it's not something I'd have to do in pairs right?


as mentioned, easy as long as you dont run into seized bushings onto bolts.

both driver and passenger side for mine the bolt was seized into the bushing. took a bit longer but all we did was cut the bolt off and replaced it. bolt is 8$ i think at the dealer.

[gabbygenier]

you dont have to do it as a pair but if one is gone, the other will follow soon enough. i replaced mine pretty much a week apart. and mazdabetty's both need to be changed right now as both sides are done.

[Zotaga]

What are you replacing yours with? OEM from Mazda or aftermarket like Moog? And how much did you get yours for?

The new Moog control arms with bushings and everything is $101 plus shipping from USA to Canada.. shipping is estimated at $45.. but with how the customs works, I'm not sure if that includes customs or if I'll get raped once it gets to me.


you dont have to do it as a pair but if one is gone, the other will follow soon enough. i replaced mine pretty much a week apart. and mazdabetty's both need to be changed right now as both sides are done.

[gabbygenier]

i got aftermarket ones. was not able to get the moog ones since they were sold out in canada. i cant remember what brand we got. he said moog was the best but couldn't get any. its a local parts store here in ottawa. the guy that runs it is awesome. he wont sell you crap and if you ask for something that he knows is crap, he will tell you to go elsewhere to buy it.

for price i cant remember. 90$ comes to mind but not sure. ill have to find out. im going to get parts tonight so ill him how much they were

[ryan2.3]

rockauto has dorman for $47 per control arm. Their moog's are 110

[SiLENTSNiPE]

The dealer sells them for $165 but I'm not sure if that's with the TM3 discount or not. I need to get mine replaced also but I'm not sure to get OEM or aftermarket. I did some research on the dormans and the reviews didn't come up so well. Anyone else have recommendations on which to replace it with? I need to replace my LF lower control arm.

[goodcase]

http://i.imgur.com/9zTnug0.gif

This might be of assistance to you.

[ryan2.3]

Rockauto has a few brands. Did you check them all out

[yearoftherat]

The dealer sells them for $165 but I'm not sure if that's with the TM3 discount or not. I need to get mine replaced also but I'm not sure to get OEM or aftermarket. I did some research on the dormans and the reviews didn't come up so well. Anyone else have recommendations on which to replace it with? I need to replace my LF lower control arm.

It's $165 before TM3 discount. I went OEM with both sides.

[bman13]

It's $165 before TM3 discount. I went OEM with both sides.

I'll need to replace both front, good to know what the cost is likely going to be around. Alignment needed after replacing both or just a "good thing to do" ?

[Lux]

I'll need to replace both front, good to know what the cost is likely going to be around. Alignment needed after replacing both or just a "good thing to do" ?
If replacing with the same genuine Mazda arm, alignment is not required.
Your camber and castor are not adjustable and, therefore, cannot be affected.
Different story with aftermarket parts; symmetry can pay dividends, here.
Using the Mazda part would be the smart choice when considering longevity; you can thank me in 3 years, depending on your driving.
Do the alignment, if you want-- they are recommended regularly no matter where you go.
Bear in mind that an alignment is ineffective unless all of your suspension components are tight and in order.
The technician should be doing a suspension inspection before aligning, anyway.