Scotty, We have a 2014 Subaru Forester with over 140,000 miles. Recent state inspection requires the replacement of the right lower control arm as the bushing is damaged. Is it necessary to replace the entire arm, or can just the bushing be replaced?
The auto shop is recommending to replace both lower control arms, because they say if you replace one at a time, there is a high likelihood of needing to return soon to replace/service the other (even though the left lower control arm is fine for inspection purposes). Is this true? Is it a good practice to replace both at the same time or is it necessary? THANK YOU!
They're trying to upsell you. Your car is only 8 years old, and generally bushings are damaged from curb strikes or potholes, and just age. They deteriorate over time as the rubber dries out and cracks, but that takes a long time.
It looks like the bushings themselves are available and that you don't need to replace the entire arm. Whether or not a shop has a press or even knows how to use it is a different story.
Thanks!
It depends entirely on the condition
Check for slop in the control arm joints. Inspect the rubber bushings for cracking, dry rot etc.
If one is perfectly fine then leave it. The shop is telling you nonsense. You gain absolutely nothing by doing both sides at the same time. They're on opposite sides of the car.
"there is a high likelihood of needing to return soon" ... so what? so you return. What's the big deal?
(hopefully to a different shop though)
Thanks!