I did it

[running strong]

I replaced my upper control arms today. The last couple Saturdays have had horrible weather and they were really worn out. Then today was an absolutely beautiful day, couldn't ask for a better day. It wasn't really a hard job, but it was a bitch. Took me all day, but it was totally worth it, she drives good for a 24 year old car. Even the wife was impressed with how smooth it is. Now i desperately need a front end alignment. I have never gotten one before, how much should i expect it to cost?

[2oodoor]

About 50 to 80 bucks here...

[running strong]

Yea i figured that it wouldn't be more than 100 bucks or so

[2ndGenGuy]

Firestone here does lifetime alignments for like $150. So if you decide to do more suspension work down the road, you can just drive your car in and not pay the next time. Or the time after that, or the time after that!

[running strong]

Firestone here does lifetime alignments for like $150. So if you decide to do more suspension work down the road, you can just drive your car in and not pay the next time. Or the time after that, or the time after that!

I like that idea, i will have to wait a couple weeks to get the money but I'm sure I'll need to do some suspension work again someday.

[Dr_Snooz]

Congrats on the repair! The UCA's seem to go extra fast in these cars.

Good to know about the lifetime alignments. I've been wanting someone to do that for years.

[running strong]

Ya me too, and thanks for the congrats. I haven't gotten the alignment yet, just taking it easy on the road. I have a small issue though, when i hit a deep dip, i hear a click on the passenger side. I have to hit the dip just right though, other than that there are no noises from the front end. I jacked up the car and there is no play in the tires, the suspension seems incredibly solid. I also tried to manipulate the uca and it has no play either. I'm almost wondering if the lca's are showing their wear because of the newer parts, but maybe aren't worn enough to show play?
Does that sound probable, or what could cause that?

[Charlie5280]

Ya me too, and thanks for the congrats. I haven't gotten the alignment yet, just taking it easy on the road. I have a small issue though, when i hit a deep dip, i hear a click on the passenger side. I have to hit the dip just right though, other than that there are no noises from the front end. I jacked up the car and there is no play in the tires, the suspension seems incredibly solid. I also tried to manipulate the uca and it has no play either. I'm almost wondering if the lca's are showing their wear because of the newer parts, but maybe aren't worn enough to show play?
Does that sound probable, or what could cause that?

They could be potentially worn although you won't see play when you lift the car up and twist them back and forth.

[firefighterwhite89]

You can get both pressable bushings AND ball joints from rockauto.com for around $30 bucks for both sides. As i recall, you can also get polyurethane bushings for either the inner or outer bushing from energy suspension or prothane(Can't remember which has what. Polyurethane will for sure be more in cost but will by far outlast any rubber bushing.

[gp02a0083]

I would double check the Torque on the pin for the upper control arm and make sure the bushings are pressed in fully. If its even a hair loose or the bushing does not seat right they tend to make a click or almost a pop sound. Charlie5280 and firefighterwhite89 make very good points.

[firefighterwhite89]

Prothane 8210 Front Lower Control Arm Bushings Made by Prothane <-----I'm not sure if these are the outer or inner LCA bushings. I'm assuming it's the inner. $23.78

[HLW]

Prothane 8210 Front Lower Control Arm Bushings Made by Prothane <-----I'm not sure if these are the outer or inner LCA bushings. I'm assuming it's the inner. $23.78

That is the inner bushing. The outer is the Prothane 8-907 lower shock bushing.