Classic/Antique Car Repair/Control arm bushings

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Expert: - 12/15/2009


Question
I had my 1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 in an auto shop to see how the steering linkage was doing.  Most of the steering linkage is doing okay.  The Mechanic showed me a worn out lower control arm bushing (nearly gone, metal on metal).  Also a lower ball joint was loose with 3/16" movement.  For the control arm bushings, he suggested getting all the upper and lower control arm bushings replaced.  I figure those bushings are at least 30 year old (back to when we bought the car) but could go back much further.  The two front tires had their inside edges worn away the most (down to smooth rubber (2.5"- 3" wide smooth area), and one has the metal belting showing through a lot), like a toe out problem in alignment.  In addition to getting an alignment after, the labor was 4 hours worth, for about $390, and parts are $215 for a total of $605.  Does it require a lot of labor to replace bushings?  Are control arms solid pieces that shouldn't need replacement?  

Answer
The control arms should be ok unless the ho;e is worn oversize. It is a good idea to replace them all when doing any. The wear on one side of the tire is usually due to a camber condition and this could be caused by the worn bushings.The prices that you quote sounds about right.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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