4×4 front end control arms & bushings

[ExplorerRider]

I absolutely KNOW my '05 4×4 Explorer needs new ball joints up front! But how abt the control arms... How do I know when those need replacing?

 

[410Fortune]

The control arm bushings will look deformed or cracked. When they wear out you will have a very loose control arm in its mounts. It should be semi tight, no wiggle room at the bushings

The factory bushings last about 175-250k miles typically

 

[ExplorerRider]

The control arm bushings will look deformed or cracked. When they wear out you will have a very loose control arm in its mounts. It should be semi tight, no wiggle room at the bushings

The factory bushings last about 175-250k miles typically

 

[ExplorerRider]

Well I'm at 154,000.... Reckon I'd better buy new control arms then. Dangit! In all honesty though.... Good to know! Thnx

 

[410Fortune]

Check the bushings
I rarely have to change lower control arms on these rigs, not at 154k typically you probably have another 100k in the factory bushings

 

[olddaddy75]

Is it possible for the upper control arms to be put on the wrong side? A friend replaced mine, and now it steers very hard. I do not wish to get an alignment until I replace the struts, which will be in a week or so.

 

[wollimann]

The longer part of the upper control arm goes to the front.
I don't know if the new parts have a L and R stamped on,
but you would have a negative caster if both UCA's were installed on the wrong side.
Did he change both UCA's or only one? Maybe the only one was ordered/send wrong?
Normaly there is no camber and caster alignment needed if not lifted or lowered, maybe toe alignment.
A good mechanic should know how to install these parts right.

 

[olddaddy75]

They are correctly installed, thasnks, Wolliman.

 

[wollimann]

A friend replaced mine, and now it steers very hard.

Maybe there is some air in the power steering?

 

[olddaddy75]

I turned it from lock to lock several times, still same. The upper control arms seem to be correct.