Front Control arm bushing
 

Does anyone know if I can replace a passenger side control arm bushing only or would I have to replace the whole arm, then get an alignment ? If its too much or too costly of a job then I guess I can live with the bump/rattle noise, just turn up the radio. It doesn't seem to be affecting the ride...it's not pulling or anything, just making a small rattle noise when I hit a bump.:confused:

It may not be the bushing. Have you checked the front end for play? Could be a ball joint or tie-rod end...?

Usually anytime you replace a bushing or a ball-joint, an alignments is not necessary because you haven't changed anything, they are non-adjustable components (the camber/caster/tow is unaffected). Changing a tie-rod end would probably require an alignment because it's an adjustable component (affects the tow). However if you are careful and take a few measurements before removing the old tie-rod end, you can install the new one and adjust it pretty damn close as to not require an alignment...

thanks for the prompt reply. I did a brake inspection/paint and noticed the bushing, where the control arm connects at the front of the chassis, is cracked and starting to break apart and so I assumed my noise issue is with the bushing but now that you're raising doubt I will have to look at the front end for other signs of looseness.

IF it is the bushing, can I replace just the bushing ????

^Yep, you can just raplace the bushings.

Just want to make sure that is the issues and the only issue. Nothing worse then replacing parts to find out the noise is still there...lol.

You are very right..I don't wanna replace parts unnecessarily so I will check the rest of the front end for any other causes but I know for sure that the front control arm bushing is in the process of breaking apart and is showing obvious signs of fatigue/cracks/tears. I just needed to know if it were possible. Now I wonder if its a big job or not ? It doesn't look like it. Thank you MPR for your feedback...it is appreciated.:D

Part Detail

^This link shows all the parts of the front control arm/knuckle (I'm assuming you've been asking about your car, a 2002 civic 4dr?). Doesn't look too difficult to do.

Good luck. Happy to help. :)

Thanks for the exploded view...it will be very helpful. I'm glad I came to this site.:D

Good thread. Now, Do my SPC adjustable upper control arms have bushings up in the same place? Mines squeaky on passenger side. Does SPC offer warranty?

I already checked the website. I didn't see anything about warranty.
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98 EK hatch! :D

Since yours is an ek, it has a different front suspension then the OP's car. Your's will be a double wish-bone setup, instead of macphearson strut type.

Looking on the website for your control arms here:
SPC Application Search

Which one do you have? There are 2 different upper control arms they offer. Either way you can see where the 2 upper bushing will be on those control arms, however, I don't know if those ones are replacable. You may want to give them a call and ask them. Some aftermarket components you may not be able to replace the bushings.

I had the same problem couple of years ago and was told it could not be replaced. So my cheap ass got OEM part this time. Never again will i go with after market for my suspension again. lol