Control arm bushing play help!!

[rm2406]

hello all, i have a question about my lca bushing.. the bushing itself is in good condition on both ends but the control arm itself can be moved side to side on the bushings.. the bushings dont move just the control arm.. any thoughts? is it normal or do i need new bushings?

[rm2406]

i will get pics and post them...

[rm2406]

anyone???

[bluedragon436]

I'll have to give mine a shake when I get home and let you know, what mine does..

[4.3LXJ]

I thought you were going to send pics. But if you are referring to the bushing cans, yes they are not in very tight. The upper arm bushing cans are loose, or not very tight typically. If the can is rotating inside the arm, which is kind of cheesy anyway, they you need to replace it. There really is no fix for them. You might think of getting some better arms, or just get some stockers from the wrecking yard.

[rm2406]

the cans are in tight, they dont move at all. only the control arm by itself can be moved side to side almost easily.. the whole bushing stays tight in place.. so maybe i just need some different arms from the yard?? just was wondering if it is normal that it does that or if something needed to be replaced. thanks!

[xj4life2]

Pictures would be very helpful here but first off are they after market arms ? if so the should not move on top of the bushing, and should be replaced. If they are stock arms the same thing applies but depending on year of the rig you may have to replace the entire assembly as replacement bushings are not available in most cases. Based upon your stat sheet your all stock so I would replace the arms and be done. You also need to check that the arms of the mount have not spread allowing the bushing / arm to move. The whole arm can be purchace for about $40.00 aftermarket.

[bluedragon436]

If you can pick up a set of arms cheap from the JY I would say give it a try... But if nothing else take a look at your mounts at both the axle end and the frame end and look for any kind of flared out brackets for the LCA mounts...

[rm2406]

sorry bout the pix, having problems with camera.. now that its been mentioned, the mounts are kinda flared out... could that be the reason of movement?? should it be straight or flared inwards?? im gonna go use my cell camera to see if i can get a good shot to give u guys an idea, thanks for the support though...

[4.3LXJ]

Yeah I need pics here. I am a little confused now about this.

[bluedragon436]

I'm with Steve on the need of pics to help you out.. If you could grab pics of both the axle end as well as the frame end mounts.. Do both of your LCA's move, or just one of them?

[rm2406]

how do i post the pix here?? have never posted pix here before... or video??

[4.3LXJ]

Click on post reply to thread. Below that is Additional options. In the second area is the attach files section. You can upload directly from your computer or you can use an image hosting service like Photobucket and just paste the appropriate link

[bluedragon436]

Or you could make use of a website like photobucket

[rm2406]

VE_0725021021.mp4 video by rm2406 - Photobucket@@AMEPARAM@@file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid1069.p hotobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu463%2Frm2406%2FVE_07250 21021.mp4@@AMEPARAM@@file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid1069.pho tobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu463%2Frm2406%2FVE_0725021 021.mp4
YOU CAN CAN SEE IN BEGINNING OF VIDEO ARM BY ITSELF MOVES JNOT THE BUSHINGS.. HMM..

[4.3LXJ]

Rudy, that one is worn out. There is nothing that can be done for it except removing it and removing the bushing and welding it. It would better to source one out of a wrecking yard, or better yet get some upgraded arms. Since you have no lift you don't need anything real fancy. This isn't a huge deal yet, but eventually it will wear completely out and then cause a real problem for you.

[rm2406]

thanks! i have a spare bushing from the uca. do you know if they are they same part #?

[4.3LXJ]

No, they are not. The upper bushings are quite a bit smaller.

[rm2406]

ok, thanks again im gonna try to find the part # and replace this weekend...

[xj4life2]

LCA bushing part number is #52001161, Checked with my local NAPA store and they do carry them in stock. So if ya have a NAPA store in town you should be ok , they run about $20.00

[4.3LXJ]

Mark, it looks from the vid that the hole the bushing can fits in is wallowed out. He may need more than a bushing.

[xj4life2]

I agree and from what I saw in the vid I would replace the whole arm on both side with some decent aftermarket ones, but he asked for the bushing part numbers so I posted them.He could peen the can back in to keep him goin a while but thats kinda iffy. I can also get the whole factory style arm for about 45.00ea. I would also check to see if the hole in the LCA mount has been wallowed out , with that much play, it very well could have been.

[4.3LXJ]

Yeah, I am quite sure he will need the whole thing.

[rm2406]

did not think about it... but actually a few months ago my jeep was hit on that side taking out my fender and bending in my tie rod bar... when i look at the bolt that goes through the control arm, it looks shifted slightly. in the video u can see it. so its highly possible the contol arm hole got wallowed out.

[Mudderoy]

VE_0725021021.mp4 video by rm2406 - Photobucket (http://s1069.photobucket.com/albums/u463/rm2406/?action=view&current=VE_0725021021.mp4)
YOU CAN CAN SEE IN BEGINNING OF VIDEO ARM BY ITSELF MOVES JNOT THE BUSHINGS.. HMM..

Wow if that's normal I think it would drive me nuts.