What is this bushing?

[chebucto]

no mechanic will give me a straight answer here. can you guys tell me what is this bushing called and what i am looking at to get it replaced. also, am i in any danger driving around like this?

thanks

 

[BrooklynBay]

This is the upper control arm bushing, and it's not an easy job to replace. You have to disconnect this part along with the upper ball joint. Ford sells it as an assembly, but Autozone sells the bushings separately. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/pa...KeyWord=control+arm+bushing&fromString=search. Could you add the word Aerostar into the description of your vehicle in your profile?

 

[jlh3rd]

well, i wouldn't use any of those mechanics that couldn't give you a straight answer, cause that's an easy one..........and your not in any danger driving it, but your tire wear may be increasing because this may/does affect alignment....and i had a clunking noise when stopping and starting when mine were worn...

 

[chebucto]

Thanks brooklyn and jlh3rd.

yes, those are the exact sounds i'm hearing. is it possible to replace just the bushing or i do the whole assembly?

 

[BrooklynBay]

At one time you had to replace the entire assembly, but now you could just replace the bushings. It's a good idea to replace the upper ball joint at the same time. You will have to drill out the rivets, and replace them with a bolt/nut set up. A press will be needed for the bushings.