Sooo...I take my wifes 04' S in to have an alignment and they tell me it cant be done until the lower control arms are replaced...for over $1000. After laughing for thirty seconds and catching my breath I tell them I'll gladly do it myself and bring it back for alignment.

Now I just need to know what parts exactly need replacing before jumping in. I've replaced my supercharger so this can't be more difficult than that. I'm assuming it's just the lower control arm bushings that need replacing but wanted to check before ordering parts. They said there was too much play in the wheel...

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Brad

 

There’s nothing wrong with the control arms just replace the outer, inner ball joints and rear control arm bushings and you’re good to go. Some have done this without dropping the subframe, but just drop it. The whole job is a lot less cuntish with the subframe out.

 

Nicefeet thanks for the reply! I'll order them tonight and let you know how it goes.

Thanks again and safe motorin'

Brad

 

Go with PowerFlex bushings and you won’t have to ever do them again. Way will sell them already pressed into the carriers and all you have to do is send back your old ones. Unless you have a press, it will save you some time and effort.

Rich

 

I opted to do it thoroughly by taking the subframe down. Easier to work on everything. Go POWERFLEX for LCA & sway bar bushes. You can get Lemforder inner & outer ball joints from vendors like Pelican, ECS, or Way. Replace your PS hose clamps & change your CHF11s Powersteering fluid.
Here's a good HOW-TO on the subframe drop from the great maestro, K-huevo:
http://personal.stevens.edu/~jdunn/F...l%20How-To.pdf

 

Rich and Minisanity thanks for the input....been looking and I agree. Subframe removed and PowerFlex seem the way to go.

Thanks again!

Brad

 

Good luck on the fix. Took a slow & thorough 6hrs on my 1st take. An extra pair of hands would be great. I saw how others do it w/o taking down the subframe. My OCD just wouldn't allow me to go that way. Did a lot of cleaning & detailing areas I couldn't reach along the way. Prepare all the tools, parts & PS fluid ready before digging.