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Ball Joints, Control Arms, and all that good stuff

N

Nchristopherson

New member
Hello all. I've recently been doing a lot of work on the suspension of my car, mainly with making the front end safer for when the power comes. The car has 181k on the ODO and thus far, I have put in a GMPP sway bar, Monroe struts, and a new engine mount. HOLY CRAP that engine mount made a difference! However, I am still getting a clunk every time I turn the steering wheel to the right sitting still. Also, I get a 'grind' that is consistent with the engine when accelerating off the line to about 10 mph, or turning around 15-20 mph. I found out the right ball joint is popping up when the steering wheel is turned and I have come to realize it's time for those to be replaced, along with the control arm bushings.

I have a couple questions

1) Should I replace the tranny mount too? I bought one and inspected the old one, but it still appears to be holding up okay. It has cracks around it, but it does not look like it has leaked.

2) Should I replace the control arms and tie-rod ends too? All of this stuff is OEM from the factory, so it has mild rust and corrosion. I figured since I will have to get a front-end alignment anyways, I might as well get the control arms, bushings, ball joints, and tie-rod ends done at once, then get an alignment.

3) If I do get new control arms, which should I go with? Dorman - 40$, Mevotech - 56$, or Moog - 70$? The ball joint is included with the arm. I know Moog is the performance line, but it is also steeper in price. ZZP CA's are out of the question (sadly lol). What I'm basically asking here is, will I be hitting myself in the head for making a bad decision and buying cheap CA's and ball joints?

Thanks!
 
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Plenty of guys use the dorman controls arms as replacement. I have yet to hear about anyone having issues so...can't go wrong there.
 
The grinding is only at around 10mph and no other time? Does it grind when you turn one way or both?
 
While your in there I'd just go ahead and replace the tranny mount, tie rods, and Dorman or Moog control arms. If you want to save a couple of bucks look up control arms for a Regal, same exact part just a different number for some reason.
 


On the clunck when you turn the wheel when stationary...check your rack and pinion mounting bolts, make sure they are good and tight.
 
I'm thinking it may be the right ball joint being dislocated through acceleration. Or maybe since both of the control arms bushings are practically shot, they could be rattling around in there. I have control arms and tie-rod ends on their way, I'll post more if the sound persists.
 
So I have installed the control arms and put new tie rods on. The popping noise persisted so I tracked it to the right inner tie rod. Could the inner tie rod ball joint be popping when only turning the wheel one direction?

Also, there seems to be a thump coming from the front end. It is consistent with speed, like a 'thump thump thump', but it happens periodically, sometimes I hear it, sometimes it's completely gone. Could this be wheel bearings?
 
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