WOW, so I take my car to the dealership to have the header replaced under the extended emissions warrenty for Calif emissions parts and I get the dreaded call!!

The tech says you are going to need a clutch real soon and the Control arm Bushings are gone.

He tells me that it is just over $2500 to replace both (control arm bushings, they want $825 alone)

Doing the research here, it looks like either item is something an amature like myself can tackle.

Who in Southern Calif do you guys recommend to fix these items? Looks like the bushing for after market are only about $100.

Also is it common to replace both of these items together because they are so close in proximity?

Thanks for any help and advice, and am trying to back away from the bridge after this news.

 

You can do the control arm bushing at home, but it's a bear. I just did mine and learned a few things and have pics too. Really too much to list here. I got the Powerflex from http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=36704 and LOVE THEM. Really improves the steering input and control. Feel free to call me, number is on my site. Might check with http://www.minicorsa.com/ for the service too.

 

Here's a link that might help with the bushings, http://picasaweb.google.com/ChicagoD...ndRearPadsWork#

 

For dealers, South Bay MINI in Torrance is highly recommended.

Ask for the Stacy the service writer and for Brian White as the mechanic.

For independents, EF1 http://www.ef1motorsports.com/ in Long Beach and MINICORSA www.minicorsa.com in North Hollywood are also excellent choices.

 

Damn the dealer for those high prices and so little knowledge. As astrochex mention, Mini Corsa is your best bet. He did my clutch and control arm bushings couple weeks ago. Give him a call and he will be able to help you out. Danny is very quick and does the work very clean. You can find plenty of reviews about his good work here.

Happy Motoring
-Arthur