need help with front control arms

[93Leg-c]

I searched but couldn't find what I was looking for. So . . .

My right front control arm (this is the front suspension, NOT the lateral links in the rear suspension) has a bushing that has been pounded out. In the past couple of days it's become really bad. Everytime I go over an uneven spot in the road the car steers itself. When changing lanes, it's hard to steer between those reflectors in the road and everytime I brake or accelerate, I don't know which way the car is going to pull (I'm mentioning this to let you know how hard it is to have precise steering control right now.) And, of course, the suspension is clunking hard like crazy.

Anyway, the deteriorated rear-most bushing of the control arm is allowing about 1/4" of movement fore to aft at the bushing. With the car on the ground, I can still take the right front tire and move it fore and aft almost 1/2" and this is just with my bare hands and no leverage from tools.

My question: can I just replace the bushings or do I have to buy a whole new control arm (a new control arm purchase has to be done on a lot of cars and I wasn't sure if it was true of Legacies or not)? If I have to buy new control arms, where are good sources to check?

I need to get this done soon so any help will be appreciated. Thanks!

[Kelly]

I feel its easier to just go to the wreckers, and pull an A arm, then replacing all the bushings. My wrecker charges 20 bucks, and it only takes about 10 munites to pull it.

HTH

[93Leg-c]

I had thought of that but wouldn't the bushings be close to the same condition mine are in?

[skid542]

I agree that it will be easier to get a new LCA than try to replace the bushing. One thing you should also check is your ball joint, make sure that baby is still right with all the play you've had in your system. I had to replace my LCA a few weeks ago and paid 33 for a used one with a ball joint from the local JY, even had a 6 month warrenty. Replacing the LCA doesn't take very long and isn't hard. The screw jack that rides in our trunks can be very handy for getting the new LCA back into position to bolt.

[skid542]

The bushings on the LCA you grab won't be brand new but they should be in better condition than yours, check it out good before paying the man.

[93Leg-c]

Thanks, guys.

I had another question. Do later model Legacys or Imprezas use the same LCA? I ask that because I went to car-part.com and I see 2000 model cars coming up when I had specified 1993 Legacy. If so, I'd have a better range of LCAs to select from, hopefully. At least if it's newer, the bushings should be in better shape.

So, does anyone know if later model LCAs are interchangeable or where I can go for parts cross-reference site?

[greg donovan]

plus having a spare LCA off of the car will make swapping bushings easier and will mean less down time for your car.

[Legacy777]

Yes the LCA's work from the newer cars up until 2002 Imp I believe.

[93Leg-c]

Great!