'04 to '08 front lower control arm bushing failure - please read and look
08-26-2012, 12:39 PM
#761
Three Wheelin'
slayer, my bushing looks similar to yours in addition ( to what i just saw today ) was a tear in the bushing where the fork attaches to the LCA. I plan on changing my arms next saturday. Hopefully it improves my handling and ride.
08-27-2012, 07:16 PM
#762
Would this bushing cause a shimmy in the steering wheel at high speeds? I bought my TL in May '07 with 24k miles on it and somewhere around the mid 40k area I started getting high speed vibrations above 75MPH. I took it to the dealer and they said I had a bent wheel so I eventually picked up some 18" Axis wheels with brand new tires, vibration still there. Took it back to the dealer and they insisted nothing was wrong. That was years ago and I've just been dealing with it ever since.
I just recently got brand new tires mounted and balanced and an alignment at the dealer, and the vibrations STILL persist. I can visibly see the steering wheel shimmying at times but it tends to come and go even in the same 40 mile trip to work. After so many sets of wheels/tires etc. I fail to see how it can be a balancing/wheel issue at this point.
This is the one nagging issue that has completely ruined my experience with the TL because otherwise I love the car, even with 130k on the clock. It's just not practical for me to purchase another car when I drive 400 miles per week for work and I want to keep it for at least another 2-3 years (maybe even longer if there are no major issues) so it would be nice to get rid of this issue and enjoy the car a bit more. Thanks!
I just recently got brand new tires mounted and balanced and an alignment at the dealer, and the vibrations STILL persist. I can visibly see the steering wheel shimmying at times but it tends to come and go even in the same 40 mile trip to work. After so many sets of wheels/tires etc. I fail to see how it can be a balancing/wheel issue at this point.
This is the one nagging issue that has completely ruined my experience with the TL because otherwise I love the car, even with 130k on the clock. It's just not practical for me to purchase another car when I drive 400 miles per week for work and I want to keep it for at least another 2-3 years (maybe even longer if there are no major issues) so it would be nice to get rid of this issue and enjoy the car a bit more. Thanks!
I replaced my bushings less than a year ago and I just checked this weekend and one has started to tear already, less than 10k. I guess the design is just bad. Maybe someone can suggest a (non-racing) replacement. I think the 2007 bushing is a different part number so maybe it would last longer.
08-27-2012, 08:50 PM
#764
Instructor
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Toms River, NJ
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Yep, based on your pics you would probably feel a pretty strong wiggle/shimmy in the steering wheel at 60+. I liken it to trying to drive a shopping car with a bad front wheel. You might also check your tires for splits in the sidewall, I had that too and it also made the car feel unsure.
I replaced my bushings less than a year ago and I just checked this weekend and one has started to tear already, less than 10k. I guess the design is just bad. Maybe someone can suggest a (non-racing) replacement. I think the 2007 bushing is a different part number so maybe it would last longer.
I replaced my bushings less than a year ago and I just checked this weekend and one has started to tear already, less than 10k. I guess the design is just bad. Maybe someone can suggest a (non-racing) replacement. I think the 2007 bushing is a different part number so maybe it would last longer.
08-30-2012, 08:43 AM
#765
Three Wheelin'
i removed my control arms and inspected the bushings. although I do see those slight tears. I find it odd that would of caused me to feel every imperfection on the road.
What I ended up doing was putting back the control arms and I took a test drive ( about 150miles round trip )
Can you believe I did not feel the road imperfections. I drove from PA to queens as I usually do and know exactly where on certain sections where I would feel the bumpy ride.
I did nothing different expect remove the bolts and retighten.
Could it be the bolts through the compliance bushing becomes loose over time?
What I ended up doing was putting back the control arms and I took a test drive ( about 150miles round trip )
Can you believe I did not feel the road imperfections. I drove from PA to queens as I usually do and know exactly where on certain sections where I would feel the bumpy ride.
I did nothing different expect remove the bolts and retighten.
Could it be the bolts through the compliance bushing becomes loose over time?
09-01-2012, 09:43 AM
#766
Got our first review on the Sphericals...
"These bushings are excellent. The ride is much smoother than the OEM rubber bushings. Since they are 99% metal, I thought you would feel everything through the steering wheel...well you don't. Excellent bushing. Strongly recommend!!!"
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/fastline-...x-tl-tl-s.html
"These bushings are excellent. The ride is much smoother than the OEM rubber bushings. Since they are 99% metal, I thought you would feel everything through the steering wheel...well you don't. Excellent bushing. Strongly recommend!!!"
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/fastline-...x-tl-tl-s.html
09-01-2012, 01:41 PM
#767
Instructor
Got our first review on the Sphericals...
"These bushings are excellent. The ride is much smoother than the OEM rubber bushings. Since they are 99% metal, I thought you would feel everything through the steering wheel...well you don't. Excellent bushing. Strongly recommend!!!"
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/fastline-...x-tl-tl-s.html
"These bushings are excellent. The ride is much smoother than the OEM rubber bushings. Since they are 99% metal, I thought you would feel everything through the steering wheel...well you don't. Excellent bushing. Strongly recommend!!!"
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/fastline-...x-tl-tl-s.html
09-01-2012, 03:09 PM
#768
Race Director
i removed my control arms and inspected the bushings. although I do see those slight tears. I find it odd that would of caused me to feel every imperfection on the road.
What I ended up doing was putting back the control arms and I took a test drive ( about 150miles round trip )
Can you believe I did not feel the road imperfections. I drove from PA to queens as I usually do and know exactly where on certain sections where I would feel the bumpy ride.
I did nothing different expect remove the bolts and retighten.
Could it be the bolts through the compliance bushing becomes loose over time?
What I ended up doing was putting back the control arms and I took a test drive ( about 150miles round trip )
Can you believe I did not feel the road imperfections. I drove from PA to queens as I usually do and know exactly where on certain sections where I would feel the bumpy ride.
I did nothing different expect remove the bolts and retighten.
Could it be the bolts through the compliance bushing becomes loose over time?
Got our first review on the Sphericals...
"These bushings are excellent. The ride is much smoother than the OEM rubber bushings. Since they are 99% metal, I thought you would feel everything through the steering wheel...well you don't. Excellent bushing. Strongly recommend!!!"
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/fastline-...x-tl-tl-s.html
"These bushings are excellent. The ride is much smoother than the OEM rubber bushings. Since they are 99% metal, I thought you would feel everything through the steering wheel...well you don't. Excellent bushing. Strongly recommend!!!"
http://www.heeltoeauto.com/fastline-...x-tl-tl-s.html
Maybe try doing what flyromeo3 did and see if it makes a difference?
09-04-2012, 08:55 AM
#769
Three Wheelin'
[quote=nfnsquared;14012410]Hmmm. Interesting... Wonder if you stumbled upon something here? Keep us updated please.
I took it this weekend to my brothers shop to get a second opinion. He removed the control arms and both he and one of his mechanics didnt see anything wrong. Yes, there are tears on either side which is caused by the movement of the arm.
I'm not saying the car now feels like when I drove it off the lot but, I dont feel those slight imperfections like I used to.
maybe in my scenerio tightening the bolts saved me from spending money on control arms.
I took it this weekend to my brothers shop to get a second opinion. He removed the control arms and both he and one of his mechanics didnt see anything wrong. Yes, there are tears on either side which is caused by the movement of the arm.
I'm not saying the car now feels like when I drove it off the lot but, I dont feel those slight imperfections like I used to.
maybe in my scenerio tightening the bolts saved me from spending money on control arms.
09-06-2012, 05:22 AM
#770
Moderator
iTrader: (7)
So the 04-06 TL bushings are stiffer than 07-08 type s bushings? is this really possible? mine are slightly cracked, not too bad and i dont really notice any symptoms but I want to replace them anyways. whats a reasonable price for a shop to charge for pressing them out if i bring the control arm to them?
09-06-2012, 07:22 AM
#771
I did one with vice on my own and broke the vice...
Took the other one to a machine shop to press it in and it cost me $10.
I did the oem ones, with window weld in all the openings and they are holding up just fine!
Took the other one to a machine shop to press it in and it cost me $10.
I did the oem ones, with window weld in all the openings and they are holding up just fine!
09-06-2012, 08:47 AM
#772
[quote=flyromeo3;14016091]
That's great to hear! What is the torque spec for that bolt? I'm going to give that a try before replacing mine.
Hmmm. Interesting... Wonder if you stumbled upon something here? Keep us updated please.
I took it this weekend to my brothers shop to get a second opinion. He removed the control arms and both he and one of his mechanics didnt see anything wrong. Yes, there are tears on either side which is caused by the movement of the arm.
I'm not saying the car now feels like when I drove it off the lot but, I dont feel those slight imperfections like I used to.
maybe in my scenerio tightening the bolts saved me from spending money on control arms.
I took it this weekend to my brothers shop to get a second opinion. He removed the control arms and both he and one of his mechanics didnt see anything wrong. Yes, there are tears on either side which is caused by the movement of the arm.
I'm not saying the car now feels like when I drove it off the lot but, I dont feel those slight imperfections like I used to.
maybe in my scenerio tightening the bolts saved me from spending money on control arms.
09-06-2012, 02:43 PM
#776
Three Wheelin'
09-14-2012, 01:53 PM
#779
Intermediate
[QUOTE=I did the oem ones, with window weld in all the openings and they are holding up just fine![/QUOTE]
Anyone ever find the best fix for this? Rockstar how is this holding up for you? Mine are also torn, I have an 05 TL w/navi w/127k and don't know if this has ever been and want to fix this asap. My car SUCKS to drive..
Anyone ever find the best fix for this? Rockstar how is this holding up for you? Mine are also torn, I have an 05 TL w/navi w/127k and don't know if this has ever been and want to fix this asap. My car SUCKS to drive..
09-14-2012, 01:56 PM
#780
Intermediate
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rockstar143 (10-04-2012)
09-14-2012, 10:56 PM
#781
I just did mine on my TSX, got both new arms + ball joints from RockAuto and filled the bushings with something similar to Window Weld but it's called Flextra here in Canada. This product is meant for exterior use and stretches up to 1400%. It may not look too pretty but who cares, it will keep salt, dust, sand and other road debries away from coming inside the bushings.
So here are my home made "solid bushings"
So here are my home made "solid bushings"
09-16-2012, 10:03 PM
#783
If it cracks again the car will feel different, just like it does now.
I see some interest in spherical bushings and I don't mean to rain on someone's parade, but if they're not 100% billet stainless you might be looking for a nasty problem called RUST. I only hope the aluminum bearing housings are at least anodized or zinc plated.
http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/suspe...nstall-11.html
I see some interest in spherical bushings and I don't mean to rain on someone's parade, but if they're not 100% billet stainless you might be looking for a nasty problem called RUST. I only hope the aluminum bearing housings are at least anodized or zinc plated.
http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/suspe...nstall-11.html
09-22-2012, 01:20 AM
#785
I looked through the comments, apparently it's from "Full-Race". Could be that the first batch of traction balls were made from poor material?. Can't tell much from seeing one only picture but nevertheless, it looks coated with pretty heavy rust.
The product in question:
http://www.full-race.com/store/tract...ion-balls.html
http://www.full-race.com/articles/20...ion-balls.html
http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/suspe...nstall-11.html
The product in question:
http://www.full-race.com/store/tract...ion-balls.html
http://www.full-race.com/articles/20...ion-balls.html
http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/suspe...nstall-11.html
10-04-2012, 09:19 AM
#787
I looked through the comments, apparently it's from "Full-Race". Could be that the first batch of traction balls were made from poor material?. Can't tell much from seeing one only picture but nevertheless, it looks coated with pretty heavy rust.
The product in question:
http://www.full-race.com/store/tract...ion-balls.html
http://www.full-race.com/articles/20...ion-balls.html
http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/suspe...nstall-11.html
The product in question:
http://www.full-race.com/store/tract...ion-balls.html
http://www.full-race.com/articles/20...ion-balls.html
http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/suspe...nstall-11.html
10-04-2012, 08:35 PM
#789
Malcom made them?
I am not sure, but I'm sure the service manual probably tells you to orient them a certain way when pressing them.
Honestly, with the window weld and flextra in the openings, this thing isn't going to crack. It's not going to HIDE the problem, it's only going to help the oem stuff from having it happen again.
Marcus, I remember contacting you when this was just a thought...wish they'd have been available then, I would have given yours a shot!
Paperboy...yes, borrow the pitman puller kit from advance auto, you'll see the one that you'll need, it's the 2 armed one that'll go over the lower control arm to push it out. The fork WILL split the boot.
I am not sure, but I'm sure the service manual probably tells you to orient them a certain way when pressing them.
Honestly, with the window weld and flextra in the openings, this thing isn't going to crack. It's not going to HIDE the problem, it's only going to help the oem stuff from having it happen again.
Marcus, I remember contacting you when this was just a thought...wish they'd have been available then, I would have given yours a shot!
Paperboy...yes, borrow the pitman puller kit from advance auto, you'll see the one that you'll need, it's the 2 armed one that'll go over the lower control arm to push it out. The fork WILL split the boot.
10-04-2012, 10:07 PM
#790
the overexplainer
dont forget to leave the nut on the threads when you're pushing the ball joint. I made the mistake of leaving it off and crushed the threads. Sucked.
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paperboy42190 (10-08-2012)
10-14-2012, 03:51 AM
#792
Everybody that had the heeltoe's spherical bushings installed please share your thoughts with us. I need more reviews, so I can make up my mind. No way I'm going oem bushing route since they are going to tear it again at 20-30k. This is my second trip with the oem control arm bushing and they are already showing sign of little tear. This is completely bs.
10-14-2012, 12:24 PM
#793
Intermediate
I've heard good reviews on spherical LCA bushings from my friends who own them on e28 BMWs. Our issues with both upper and lower control arms were due to the fact the bushings weren't preloaded prior to tightening them. With the sphericals you don't have to worry about preloading them at all and they are rebuildable.
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cokorote (10-14-2012)
11-14-2012, 07:49 AM
#799
Racer
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: DA BOOGIE......NY
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Everybody that had the heeltoe's spherical bushings installed please share your thoughts with us. I need more reviews, so I can make up my mind. No way I'm going oem bushing route since they are going to tear it again at 20-30k. This is my second trip with the oem control arm bushing and they are already showing sign of little tear. This is completely bs.
....i have 42k miles and my oem bushings were done
The following 2 users liked this post by FRIKI:
cokorote (11-21-2012),
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