CTT control arm bushing?

[clarksongli]

So i have two torn FRONT rear lower control arm bushings....so i've got some options:

 

1.  Replace the bushing with the turbo "hydraulic" bushing

2.  Replace the bushing with the turbo s "solid rubber" bushing

3.  Replace the entire arm with the stock turbo arm

4.  Replace the entire arm with the turbo S arm

 

The ball joints feel tight still, so it's hard for me to justify replacing the full arms considering the bushings are <30 bucks.....vs. hundreds for arms.

 

The other wild card are the "OEM" kits on ebay these days.....i've put out some feelers to see who makes/reconditions these arms, but they are SIGNIFICANTLY less....so low that i could buy a set for 150 bucks, find out they're crap....and go and buy the OEM bushings....

 

Any help would be helpful.....my natural inclination is to upgrade upgrade upgrade.....but the hydro ones would probably work for the next 100k as well.

Edited November 19, 2014 by clarksongli

[jagman1]

I did just the bushing on my '04CTT. I ended up replacing the front and rear inner bushings on the front control arms. I used Porsche bushings sourced from sunset. I got 105K from the originals, for $120 to replace all four bushings it was an easy choice. I went with CTT bushings. Though I'd consider CTTS bushings next time too.

[clarksongli]

thanks....did the oem bushing make a noticeable difference in feel?

 

no issues with the ball joints?

[hahnmgh63]

I've got to do this too.  If the Ball Joints last then the Bushings alone will save a lot of money. Maybe a project for this Winter.

[jagman1]

I did notice a difference. Road imperfections are less jarring. My bushings hadn't failed, small cracks and some deformation.

Ball joints were fine. I gave the boots a good look. I figure it's a 50-75k fix. Next set will be the whole arm. The front CTT mounts are hydraulic. Mine had long since lost their oil, but the oil is for vibration dampening not structural.

[hahnmgh63]

Just wanted to check. I just looked at the 9PA .pdf and it looks like replaceable bushings are only available for the lower control arms. Are there any any replaceable bushings available for the upper wishbone (control arm)?

[jagman1]

I have not tried to do the upper arm yet. Not sure if the parts are available.

[ALEV8]

I just went ahead and bought the Turbo S lower arms but have not installed them. The front end is clunking like an MFer now and squeaks when its cold. Additionally there's clunking transmitting up the steering column now. Drives me nuts. I fear the arms AND a CV are bad so gotta do it all. Merry Xmas! The wife's X6 tires are shot.....proprietary Conti 21" @ $6 hundo a pop.......new takeoff 20" wheels and tires would be cheaper from eBay!

[hahnmgh63]

When it rains it pours...always seems to happen like that.