Lower Control Arm Bushings

[Garfield]

So my 'newer' Alero makes clunking noises over bumps/dips, and my mechanic says it is the lower control arm bushings, and asked me to find the parts.

This is a Final 500, so GLS with the sport/FE3 suspension and I'm having problems locating the parts.

As far as I can tell the two bushings are part numbers 22710854 (1 for each side) and 22645683 (2 for each side). While the whole control arm assy. part numbers are 10365843 and 10365844. But from what I can tell the arms aren't available, and they say to sub the non-sport versions, which I really don't want to do.

Does anybody have a recommendation on where to get the parts, or what aftermarket parts are any good?

[sleepyalero]

I replaced mine with non sport suspension rated... Havent noticed a difference.

Only one on rockauto that specifies is API 270394727 front right... They do not offer one in front left though. But it is wholesale closeout at 14$!

[tw0123]

You could go for the 99 aluminum control arm with j body poly bushings if you want to upgrade.... if you can find a set of the arms in a junk yard or online(i have a set but shipping might be ridiculous!)....Prothane kit 7-234 is the number for the poly bushings

[_HeC_]

I'm running the J-body poly bushings Tim mentioned above, some people complain about them making a stiff ride etc but I don't find it that bad... Don't need the 99 aluminum arms to use the J-body bushings but nice little upgrade if you can find a set for a decent price

I polished my arms... so pretty lol

[falloutboy]

Wait a second, we are talking about these J-bodies?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_J_platform

They use the same control arms and bushing as our N-bodies?

[_HeC_]

same size bushings yes but our arms are slightly longer but that doesn't stop the J-body guys from running our aluminum arms, front knuckles and brakes as a upgrade some cavalier/sunfire owners even use our IRS setup

[falloutboy]

Thanks Always good to know.
EDIT:

I understand correct, that this ONLY counts for front lower control arm bushing, nothing else? So rear suspension is still unique to the Alero?

[Garfield]

I ended up getting the Prothane kit and having them installed and the clunking noise is now gone. Thanks for the suggestion!

The suspension does seem firmer, but it isn't too bad like some people told me these bushings would be. (Heck I have to figure any new bushing would have had firmer suspension given the old ones were so bad as to cause clunking.)

Of course now that the car is quieter over bumps I can hear a faint spring squeak sometimes...

[dschroed]

Originally Posted by _HeC_

I'm running the J-body poly bushings Tim mentioned above, some people complain about them making a stiff ride etc but I don't find it that bad... Don't need the 99 aluminum arms to use the J-body bushings but nice little upgrade if you can find a set for a decent price

I polished my arms... so pretty lol

Those look so clean. I have a 99, so I will definitely be making this a project.

[Bahlzeron]

My bushings need to be done as well, what's the difference (other than color) between the black and red kits? The reds are cheaper. Also is this something me and a buddy can do relatively easy, or should I just pay a mechanic to deal with the headache? (I did read a bit on doing them but would still like to hear opinions)

[Garfield]

You need a press to get the old bushing out and the new bushing in. (At least for the rear one.)

If I recall correctly the "book" time to replace the bushings is 4.1 hours, but it only took my mechanic 2.7.

The "easy" way to do it yourself would be to just get new lower control arms, since they come with new bushings. (Of course I don't know of any with poly bushings.) And you end up with a new ball joint at the same time.

I don't know that there is any difference between them other than color, I opted for black because it was cheaper than red at the time and I really didn't want red. (I paid $41.37 from Amazon on 1/12.)

I considered getting new lower control arms and having a shop just replace the rear bushing and doing the arm swap myself, but decided it was just easier to let my normal mechanic do the whole thing.

[Bahlzeron]

Thanks Garfield, I'll probably pay a mechanic to do it. Also is the Prothane 7-234 kit contain both sides or will I need to order two kits? (pictures show four total bushings but we all know pics aren't always accurate)

p.s. I would've started my own thread but I figured this applies to the current thread (keep all the info in one place, less forum clutter)

[_HeC_]

Originally Posted by dschroed

Those look so clean. I have a 99, so I will definitely be making this a project.

thanks man, be prepared to waste a few hours lol

Originally Posted by Bahlzeron

what's the difference (other than color) between the black and red kits? The reds are cheaper. Also is this something me and a buddy can do relatively easy, or should I just pay a mechanic to deal with the headache? (I did read a bit on doing them but would still like to hear opinions)

the black ones get impregnated with a graphite in them and help cut down on squeaks! I installed mine myself with a bench vise, no fancy tools needed and the kit comes with everything for both control arms... ignore that trans mount in upper left, used it for my 5spd swap

[Bahlzeron]

Originally Posted by _HeC_

I installed mine myself with a bench vise, no fancy tools needed and the kit comes with everything for both control arms..

Good to know, thanks!

p.s. any suggestions for ball joints?(since I gotta pull the arms to do the bushings, provided mine are bolted and not riveted, other wise I'll just buy new arms) MOOG are good products, but I'm not looking to break the bank, and the $11.99 Falcon ones are probably junk. How are the ACDelco Advantage? (AC pro's are about same price as MOOG and appear to be the same)