Front end link bushing replacement?

[AlexJB]

Originally Posted by yaya97

and guess what ..the noise is back..

are you sure it's the sway bar, I have a clunkand I know mines down to the control arm bushings, it is the regular culprit for this type of suspension set up in many cars.

In Cruzin's post further up you can see a good control arm...
This is what a ruined bush looks like!


Sway bar bushes are less then $20 on e-bay and are only a 40 min job to do, so it's worth doing them but a major clunk is more likely control arms.

At least they are only $70 for aftermarket ones, I had a Lexus LS400 and it was due for upper and lower control arms - $1300 for reconditioned ones!

[yaya97]

Man thanks!
I just dropped off AGAIN the PT today at the garage. The clunk noise was really loud!

What is strange is that each time the garage changed the sway bars ( TWICE THIS YEAR) The noise went away.
I really appreciate your input!

[superpug666]

Originally Posted by yaya97

Wow,
I have had the exact same problems with my 01 PT..
The squeeks ( that stopped ) and the clunk clunk over the huge potholes here in Montreal

potholes in mtl where? loll should say in all the province.....damn our roads sux loll......

I have to change my puck bushing in the control arm...but had them changed about a year ago..

[superpug666]

Originally Posted by AlexJB

are you sure it's the sway bar, I have a clunkand I know mines down to the control arm bushings, it is the regular culprit for this type of suspension set up in many cars.

In Cruzin's post further up you can see a good control arm...
This is what a ruined bush looks like!


Sway bar bushes are less then $20 on e-bay and are only a 40 min job to do, so it's worth doing them but a major clunk is more likely control arms.

At least they are only $70 for aftermarket ones, I had a Lexus LS400 and it was due for upper and lower control arms - $1300 for reconditioned ones!

how bad is it to change the puck style control arm bushing at home? cuz on energy suspension website the control arm kit is only 35$ us do i only undo the big bolt underneath? thx

[Sarasmiles]

Originally Posted by superpug666

how bad is it to change the puck style control arm bushing at home? cuz on energy suspension website the control arm kit is only 35$ us do i only undo the big bolt underneath? thx

When our Mechanic installed the energy suspension kit in our 01 he had a heck of a time with that particular bolt. He ended up heating it with a torch big time to get it to break loose. I think it has a bazillion FT/lbs of torque.

Plus side, after installing the kit it actually feels better/tighter/firmer than our new 08.

[superpug666]

Originally Posted by Sarasmiles

When our Mechanic installed the energy suspension kit in our 01 he had a heck of a time with that particular bolt. He ended up heating it with a torch big time to get it to break loose. I think it has a bazillion FT/lbs of torque.

Plus side, after installing the kit it actually feels better/tighter/firmer than our new 08.

is there only that bolt to take out?

[Sarasmiles]

Originally Posted by superpug666

is there only that bolt to take out?

Hi,

I had it done by a local Mechanic, so I really do not know, I was just repeating what he told me about the upgrade. I had brought him the complete kit including sway bar, he did the whole 9 yards at a fairly good price. I needed ball joints at the time so I just had it done all at once.

[superpug666]

Originally Posted by Sarasmiles

Hi,

I had it done by a local Mechanic, so I really do not know, I was just repeating what he told me about the upgrade. I had brought him the complete kit including sway bar, he did the whole 9 yards at a fairly good price. I needed ball joints at the time so I just had it done all at once.

oh ok...thanks

[PTManic]

I just purchased new tires and had an alignment on my PT from WheelWorks. They are now bugging me to replace the bushings on the front end claiming their worn. I hear no noise, I see nothing, nor hear anything and what I have heard here, bad bushings are a noticeable item. Could this be Wheel Works trying to pump business?

I also have a road service warranty with them for the tires, this could be just the excuse for them not honoring the warranty. Another item too, yesterday a customer was complaining about bushing noises after WheelWorks had just replaced the bushings on her car. Could this be the tip of an iceberg that WheelWorks is huckstering business?

Now I will have to take the PT to several mechanics to see if what they say is true. And every time it is worked on another alignment has to happen. What a tendency for a scam to erupt.

[Dino]

Originally Posted by PTManic

I just purchased new tires and had an alignment on my PT from WheelWorks. They are now bugging me to replace the bushings on the front end claiming their worn. I hear no noise, I see nothing, nor hear anything and what I have heard here, bad bushings are a noticeable item. Could this be Wheel Works trying to pump business?

I also have a road service warranty with them for the tires, this could be just the excuse for them not honoring the warranty. Another item too, yesterday a customer was complaining about bushing noises after WheelWorks had just replaced the bushings on her car. Could this be the tip of an iceberg that WheelWorks is huckstering business?

Now I will have to take the PT to several mechanics to see if what they say is true. And every time it is worked on another alignment has to happen. What a tendency for a scam to erupt.

If you don't feel anything or hear anything and they can't show you anything than I wouldn't have it fixed, or at least have another trusted mechanic take a look. If you do need bushings you may want to buy the kit these guys talked about in past posts in this thread so you know your getting good stuff installed.