So I bought a new control arm, and got one in the mail. Quick question though, the ball joint is extremely difficult to move, but I can wiggle the part in the bushings with my hand, is that normal? Or should that be solid? Sorry if that's a stupid question.

 

Are you talking about the bushing in the control arm that the camber adjustment bolt goes through?

 

The bushings on the ends where you bolt it to the car. It's the upper control arm

 

I don't think you should be able to move the sleeves in the bushings with your hand. Is this on your new arms?

 

Yes brand new, I'll return them.

 

Yeah that sounds sketchy. What brand are they?

 

Meyle. Didn't go with Dorman this time around because the last two times they sent control arms were the balljoints had zero resistance

 

You could try moog. I've never used their uca's, but their lower ball joints and tie rods are pretty good.

 

I'll probably end up going that route. This car has gone through a total of 6 upper control arms including the 2 original ones, 4 of which were on the right side. I'm selling the car so I didn't want to spend $250 again on Napa arms

 

DO NOT use dorman brand upper control arms. Absolute junk. Unless you enjoy changing them monthly, then by all means use them. I'd go with Moog as well. They make excellent stuff. All their parts are torture tested and have an excellent warranty.

To answer your questions, the ball joint being hard to move is normal, the sleeves in your bushings moving is normal. The part that is moving is an 'anti crush' sleeve. It should slide freely back and forth in the rubber bushing.

 

So a little play is normal?

 

If your referring to the sleeve in the middle of the bushing, yes.

A picture might help ......

 

Yeah the sleeve if I put my fingers on both ends I can move a tiny bit, but not much.

 

Yes, that's normal. That movement will go away once its torqued to the car. But I still strongly advise against using the Dorman brand.

 

How much was a replacement? I am waiting on replacement bushings.