HELP! 02 Dakota Lower Control Arms
Can someone tell me if the lower control arm bushings can be replaced? The dealer said that the lower control arm bushings are shot and it is whats causing the continuous squeak in the front end . They want $600 per arm to replace. I'm assuming that they want to replace the entire arm. I have read that on alldata.com that the bushings are not replaceable but you can buy new bushings. Also, is this a very labor intense thing to replace. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
As far as I know, you have to replace the arm itself. When I took my upper control arms out, the OEM bushings are punched in, and from the looks of it, are nearly impossible to get out without special "bearing pullers" is the only way to describe it. Buy some new arms on ebay or through NAPA and do the work yourself. It is very labor intensive and will probably take you 1-4 hours per side, depending on your mechanical ability. Either way it will save you a ton of money. For a temporary solution, get ahold of some silicon-based lubricant and soak the hell out of the bushings. Let them sit overnight and then do it again in the morning. If you decide to replace the lower control arms, make sure you lube every front suspension part the night before you intend on doing the project. It will save you a lot of time and energy.


