I just got both Front lower Control Arms replaced for $180 by Mavis Discount Tire and they did a good job on it. Same simple job at the stealership would've easily cost me $500. Fuck the Stealership...

 

I replaced both lower and upper myself a few weeks back for free :-P Seems to be a decent price though, especially compared to the crazy dealership prices.

 

So what prompted the change? What type of symptoms were you guys experiencing?

 

I never felt any symptoms, no vibration or weird noises as others have mentioned. I probably could have driven on the same worn out bushings for another few months.

I knew they were worn out 6 months ago, just from a simple low speed go and stop test. I noticed that wheels would jolt forward in the wheel well. That's not supposed to happen. After the change, there was a much improved stability in the front wheels.

 

Thanks. I guess I've been fortunate to this point (05 545) but definitely something to keep an eye out for.

 

I was told the lower control arm bushing needed replaced by a shop that did a pre buy inspection (purchased used and had inspection done to ensure no suprises).

Being that I just lowered car and got new wheels and had an appointment for alignment & corner balancing, I went ahead and replaced all front suspension components to be safe since car has 62k miles.

I did notice my steering is tighter, but that's about it.