control arm and bushes

[PeterMac]

Hi - need a spot of advice. 8 weeks ago, I took my 320D (2000 model) in to have the front drivers side wheel repaired. They replaced the control arm. A few days ago I had it towed in as the same wheel seemed really problematic and I couldn't drive it (well I could, but it was doing some seriously bad things). The garage has just told me the control arm bushes were shot. I pointed out that they changed the control arm a few weeks ago, why didn't they change them then ? They said that they were okay then. Is this remotely possible ? Within a few weeks ? I've had the car for several years.
Surely you change gaskets / rubbers / bushes as a matter of course anyway when you replace a part. Don't they need to bed in or similar ?
My basic question is, am I being taken for a ride here ?
It just seems wrong.
Thanks for any help.
Peter

 

[Philip Foglar]

Sounds a bit suspect - I would think if you are replacing a lower control arm it makes most sense to replace the bushes too! :idea:

 

[ziggy]

I replaced mine a year ago and automatically i changed the the bushes too. go to another machanic for a second opinion. if you cant, bring you own to the workshop this is suspect too suspect i tell you. and they will chage you labour. check you links too they might start a story with those after a month.

 

[moranor@axis]

if you changing the arms you should always change the LCAB at the same time they wear out quick so you taking a chance if you dont do that...

also because the liquid filled chances are the LCABs were damaged when they changed arms...

 

[gpgold]

Hi Petermac and welcome to our forum.

Sorry to hear you are having an issue there. I think, if you are looking for some guidance on the exact problem, you should describe the symptoms (seriously bad things) a little more:rollsmile:

If the garage you mentioned had replaced the control arm, I would expect them to have done a proper check on all bushes too. I had my right front control arm done late last year and a thorough inspection was done in my presence.

In my opinion, 8 weeks is not enough time for bushes to wear if they were properly inspected and given the okay on the first visit. I would also be very upset and demand an explanation from the garage. How about finding one of the recommended garages here on the forum and have your repairs done there in the future? Bushes/control arm issues are a common problem on these vehicles.

Good luck with getting it sorted mate:thumbs:

 

[moranor@axis]

if the bushes are damaged by fitting and the liquid leaks out 8 weeks is enough time for a good looking bush to go bad...

 

[Dhp507]

Yes thats the norm arms and the bushes - Done at the same time.

Name and Shame them :nonono:

 

[Twinz]

Welcome Peter :thumbs:

 

[PeterMac]

Thanks for all the help. In the end, they agreed not to charge for labour.

 

[moranor@axis]

Thanks for all the help. In the end, they agreed not to charge for labour.

it was the right thing to do glad you got sorted

 

[msm]

Thanks for all the help. In the end, they agreed not to charge for labour.

Make sure you get your alignment checked again too.

 

[frikkieh]

Check all the Front and rear suspension components that is "rubber" at that age.
Especially the big diff bushing. Check the shocks too.

 

[Stephanv]

Just my 2cents.

i spoke to goldwagen yesterday as i am about to have mine done they told me that i'ts a complete kit when you buy the controll arms you get it with the bushes and ball joints. they should have changed everything.

 

[Dhp507]

Just my 2cents.

i spoke to goldwagen yesterday as i am about to have mine done they told me that i'ts a complete kit when you buy the controll arms you get it with the bushes and ball joints. they should have changed everything.

I dont know about the ball joints havent changed them ever. I had them look over my suspension every 6 months.