Bent Control Arm?

General chat that fellow COM'ers may be interested in.
Post Reply
Dtangard
Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Posts: 351
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2010 9:26 pm
Location: Groton, MA

Bent Control Arm?

Post by Dtangard » Sun Mar 31, 2013 8:04 pm

Hey guys,

I'm in the process of replacing all of my control arm bushings with higher durometer rubber bushings. I noticed the drivers side front upper control arm is slightly bent and will need to be replaced (can't get the long bolt back in). I re-installed the drivers side front lower control arm but it doesn't fall freely under it's own weight. The passenger side lower control arm moves freely under it's own weight. Is this "binding" a tell tale sign the lower arm is bent and needs to be replaced? Am I getting too fussy?
Derek
#01 T40
1995 Miata

962porsche
Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Posts: 1338
Joined: Tue Aug 26, 2008 5:53 pm
Location: hamden ct.

Re: Bent Control Arm?

Post by 962porsche » Sun Mar 31, 2013 9:20 pm

if the part is bent then it's not being fussy !
you would need to replace it go to car-parts.com and find a good used one .

Dtangard
Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Posts: 351
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2010 9:26 pm
Location: Groton, MA

Re: Bent Control Arm?

Post by Dtangard » Sun Mar 31, 2013 10:11 pm

The upper is definitely bent. The lower is still up for debate. I would be more inclined to change the lower if I didn't already press in new bushings...

PS I like car-part.com. Thanks for the link.
Derek
#01 T40
1995 Miata

paultg
Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Posts: 1199
Joined: Wed May 24, 2006 9:28 pm

Re: Bent Control Arm?

Post by paultg » Mon Apr 01, 2013 6:15 am

I have a full set of front/rear control arms off my '91. I don't think they are bent. I've heard it is very hard to tell on the lowers from one Spec guy. If you want to look at them and take measurements (or buy) let me know.

I'm pretty sure all NAs use the same control arms (90-97).

Paul G.
Paul G.
#12

Dtangard
Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Posts: 351
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2010 9:26 pm
Location: Groton, MA

Re: Bent Control Arm?

Post by Dtangard » Mon Apr 01, 2013 11:52 am

Hey Paul, I'm definitely interested in taking some measurements. If it is out of whack I would be interested in buying. PM me a good time to swing by. Thank you.
Derek
#01 T40
1995 Miata

paultg
Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Posts: 1199
Joined: Wed May 24, 2006 9:28 pm

Re: Bent Control Arm?

Post by paultg » Mon Apr 01, 2013 12:22 pm

Sent you a message. - Paul G.
Paul G.
#12

CP
Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Posts: 524
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2007 1:19 pm
Location: West Simsbury, CT

Re: Bent Control Arm?

Post by CP » Mon Apr 01, 2013 5:29 pm

Front subframe could be toast if you're having issues with the upper AND lower control arms on that side.
-Cy
99 Spec Miata (SM/STU/STL/EP)
2011, 2013, 2014 NER STU Champion

Dtangard
Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Posts: 351
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2010 9:26 pm
Location: Groton, MA

Re: Bent Control Arm?

Post by Dtangard » Mon Apr 01, 2013 6:58 pm

CP wrote:Front subframe could be toast if you're having issues with the upper AND lower control arms on that side.

Your probably right. The previous owner was in a "minor" collision with a center median. I bought the car after and had to reweld the steering rack in place. At the time I didn't see any other damage and I have been able to align the car with some difficulty.
Derek
#01 T40
1995 Miata

CP
Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Posts: 524
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2007 1:19 pm
Location: West Simsbury, CT

Re: Bent Control Arm?

Post by CP » Tue Apr 02, 2013 1:37 am

Mazdaspeed subframes new are around $401.
-Cy
99 Spec Miata (SM/STU/STL/EP)
2011, 2013, 2014 NER STU Champion

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot] and 1 guest