Control arm bushings

[lunchboxx]

I have a 2000 SSEi and it is starting to feel a bit loosy-goosy and developing the patented 50+MPH bonneville shudder/shake. I know that the cause of this is varied and assundry, but could be the control arm bushings and ball joints. This leads to my question. Is it worth messing with the pain of replacing these components or is it better/easier to just replace the entire lower control arm. They seem to be pretty reasonably priced ( 50 to 100 bucks) and it means I dont have to press out bushings or drill out riveted ball joints. And with that done, the only culprits to shake would be the tie rod ends wheel hubs etc..


Any opinions on this topic from the resident gearheads?? I am all ears.

[AJT2004]

Replace the complete control arm which includes new bushings and ball joint. Although you could buy and replace the ball joint, I do not think the bushings are serviceable. The cost for the a lower control is reasonable considering what it includes.

[crash93ssei]

I would and have just replaced the entire control arm, much better option. By the time you buy quality bushings and ball joints then spend the time replacing them on an old control arm you will spend just as much money and a lot more time then just swapping in fresh arms with new components.

[lunchboxx]

Yeah thats what I figured. Any tricky bits or just BIG bolts coming in and out? It was a Florida car for about 13 years, so those shouldnt give me too much trouble..almost no rust on the car.

[MrPOPE]

I have the same problem. While at the mechanics yesterday getting new shocks put on ..he looked at my front end and said it looks like its the control arm bushings causing the 50 mph shaking. he said its much better to install new arms with the new bushings already in them.

[lunchboxx]

Any recommendations on brand? Moog? Raybestos? Acdelco? Any of those have grease fittings in the ball joints?