Need help selecting best aftermarket lower control arm replacement for 08 TL
#1
Need help selecting best aftermarket lower control arm replacement for 08 TL
Hi everyone, I sold my beloved CL-S after 11 years of ownership and bought a 08 TL (base). One of the LCA bushings is completely torn and the arm is resting on the sub-frame. I've called around a few mechanics/shops and they all suggest replacing the entire arm since they don't want to mess with pressing in a new bushing (or don't have the ability to do so). I could really use some recommendations for the best aftermarket lower control arms. I checked and Moog doesn't seem to make one for an 08 TL.....otherwise I would have gone with that choice. What other brand do people recommend? Also, does anyone know a good Acura/Honda mechanic in the Chicago area that they would recommend? Thanks in advance for the feedback.
#2
After digging a little more it looks like Acura changed the lower control arm assembly for the 2007-2008 models. Its looks like the control arm compliance bushing is a different acura part number. nDoes anyone have experience using Beck/Arnley lower control arms? Do you think they are decent quality comparable to OEM? Any feedback/suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.
#3
Race Director
Press a new bushing in yourself using the homemade tool I made: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-p.../#post14334091
Highly recommend going with Fastline PCI compliance bushings instead of the OEM...
Highly recommend going with Fastline PCI compliance bushings instead of the OEM...
#4
Senior Moderator
Hi everyone, I sold my beloved CL-S after 11 years of ownership and bought a 08 TL (base). One of the LCA bushings is completely torn and the arm is resting on the sub-frame. I've called around a few mechanics/shops and they all suggest replacing the entire arm since they don't want to mess with pressing in a new bushing (or don't have the ability to do so).
#5
Drifting
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Buying the entire control arm is going to be a lot more expensive than buying just the bushing and having a shop press it in. Depending on which bushing it is, the cost ranges from $21 to $38 for OEM (Acuraoemparts.com). However, the entire assembly is $375. And it's not as if the arm itself ever goes bad. Just the bushings.
You could purchase the entire LCA assembly for around $150 on RockAuto. It looks like they offer Mevotech and Beck/Arnley. But there's no guarantee they're built to the same level as OEM. I've used some aftermarket suspension parts - so far with good luck - but we're talking things like sway bar links and upper control arms, which are cheap and easy to replace. The LCA is a bit more work. I think I'd probably go OEM for something like that. If it were me, I'd purchase the OEM bushing and have it pressed in by a shop. Even if you have to find a machine shop with a press.
You could purchase the entire LCA assembly for around $150 on RockAuto. It looks like they offer Mevotech and Beck/Arnley. But there's no guarantee they're built to the same level as OEM. I've used some aftermarket suspension parts - so far with good luck - but we're talking things like sway bar links and upper control arms, which are cheap and easy to replace. The LCA is a bit more work. I think I'd probably go OEM for something like that. If it were me, I'd purchase the OEM bushing and have it pressed in by a shop. Even if you have to find a machine shop with a press.
#6
Cruisin'
After digging a little more it looks like Acura changed the lower control arm assembly for the 2007-2008 models. Its looks like the control arm compliance bushing is a different acura part number. nDoes anyone have experience using Beck/Arnley lower control arms? Do you think they are decent quality comparable to OEM? Any feedback/suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.
#7
Beck Arnley is *probably* the best aftermarket OE replacement alternative in this case.
But everyone is right. The factory bushings and castings are in another league of quality and proper operation.
But everyone is right. The factory bushings and castings are in another league of quality and proper operation.
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#8
Thanks for the feedback and suggestions everyone. I purchased some acura oem bushings in the event i can find a mechanic with a press. I'll probably have to supply the press adapters so I like the homemade press suggestion as I might need to purchase the 2 1/8 socket. I'm not able to readily find beck arnley arms in stock, but it sounds like most people dont think the other 2 bushings ever need replacing so maybe I'll just try to have the compliance one replaced. Any other places to get a 2 1/8 socket other than tractor supply?
#9
Thanks for the feedback and suggestions everyone. I purchased some acura oem bushings in the event i can find a mechanic with a press. I'll probably have to supply the press adapters so I like the homemade press suggestion as I might need to purchase the 2 1/8 socket. I'm not able to readily find beck arnley arms in stock, but it sounds like most people dont think the other 2 bushings ever need replacing so maybe I'll just try to have the compliance one replaced. Any other places to get a 2 1/8 socket other than tractor supply?
Ehhhh the chassis side bushing probably sees the least action and doesn't need replacement for a while. However, the shock bushing is almost for sure completely collapsed if it has much more than 100K miles on it. It won't affect the way the car handles too much....but its good practice to replace all the bushings.
Remember to clock the arm properly when you re-install (tighten the shock and chassis bushings at ride height. DON'T just tighten the bolts with the wheels drooping down).
Beck Arnley should be available on rockauto.
New bushings are a lot more difficult to install than a full arm. But...OEM bushings will work for sure. Aftermarket is a total crapshoot.
#10
Race Director
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