I have a 2008 Honda CRV EX-L with 87,000 miles and a recent shop visit recommended the controls arms should be replaced. Bought the car new, still drives like new. All original equipment except for maintenance, tires and brakes. Am I being upsold for something I don't need? This shop is expensive and I feel I am being taken advantage of. What should I check for. TIA
The reasons to replace a control arm are:
- Damaged in an accident.
- Worn control arm bushings.
- The ball joints can't be replaced separately, so you have to replace the entire control arm when you have a worn out ball joint
If you have a control arm with worn bushings you'll hear clunking when going over bumps or you'll notice a looseness in the front end while driving.
To check the bushings for wear you'd put the CRV up on jackstands and grab a crowbar and pry against each control arm while observing the bushings for looseness.
Do the same for the ball joints.
Am I being upsold for something I don't need?
I don't know the condition of your control arms. It's certainly not out of the question on a 15 year old car. They ALL wear out eventually.
What should I check for.
you want to check for play in the control arm joints with a long crow bar. Look for dry, cracked bushings, excess rust, or noise.
