lower arm bushing pics

So a handful of folks have had lower arm bushings fail on them. Anybody up for taking some photos of what the bushings on your LGT look like? Just curious as to how they age as the miles add up. Will snap a photo or two tonight.

Here's my torn bush:

 

http://photos.all.id.au/ALBUMS/SJ_Whiteline_Control/IMG_6419.sized.jpg

 

Believe it or not, we may be getting a solution to this - and it's not OEM or Perrin! I'll keep you all informed...

Whiteline?

Close. A supplier to Whiteline is designing a replacement bush that gives better geometry control, increased caster & a degree of caster management (i.e. to ensure even left/right caster settings).

 

Someone here in Aus is currently using their skunkwork-design part & raves about it. They just need to gear up for production & we're away.

 

Personally, I can't wait. I've got uneven caster (car pulls slightly to the left) and would love more self-centering, increased dynamic camber & better steering feel.

 

My suspension set-up is Bilstein B6 Sport/WL Control springs/WL 20mm adjustable RSB/WL front strut brace/WL steering rack bushes, standard 17" alloys & Falken ST-115 tyres. Could be better...much better...with optimised caster settings!

From the May Subaru of America Tech Tips:

 

2005~06my legacy Front lower control arm bushings

 

 

Dealers have reported, and in some cases replaced, the Front Lower Control Arms for cracked bushings. Generally, replacement is not necessary. Even with cracks up to 15mm across the outside surface, and all the way through the bushing from one side to the other, the bushing performance is still 20 times the strength of specification.

 

This type of bushing works with compressed rubber and when the control arm travels through its full stroke it stretches a small portion of the bushing and will exhibit a crack or split. This does not affect the performance of the bushing and will not continue to spread to the rest of the bushing. It does not cause body vibrations, noises, or braking issues. A Service Bulletin will be released outlining the above information. See image to the right.

 

http://www.thel7.com/images/tips.bmp

 

Note: B9 Tribeca models have a similar design Control Arm Bushing. However, the material and characteristics of the bushing material may be slightly different. The issue of cracking and its affects are being reviewed at this time. We will update this information for this model in a future issue of TechTIPS.

From the May Subaru of America Tech Tips:

 

 

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I was wondering when you were going to post this.......

 

-- Steve

Bushing performance is still within spec even if cracked all the way through one side? seems kind of suspect

Good info guys... thanks for sharing. My bushings look just like hifiandmtb's.

Bushing performance is still within spec even if cracked all the way through one side? seems kind of suspect

 

??Kind of suspect??? I'd say very suspect. Clearly, they want to minimize their warrantee replacements and with this language they are leaving it up to the dealer's discretion. That is disappointing.

ehhh....I need to check mine. in for good info fro Oz however....keepus updated please.

I just inspected mine yesterday when I installed the Cusco lower arm brace,,no probs so far,6800 miles.

Good info guys... thanks for sharing. My bushings look just like hifiandmtb's.

 

+1 for mines too at 36K...

any new info on this problem?

I forgot if this bushing experiences 2 axis or 3 axis or movements.. if the unit split all the way across, in a 2-axis, it wouldnt matter, the material still functions as a solid, just so happens it's in two pieces.. if the bushing acts as 3-axis, (which it does look like from the tear), then it would be a problem as the broken piece will one day slip out when there's no longer a load pressing against it? That it could eventually vibrate and deteriorate out of the control arm? Of course, it is a pressed bushing, so it can stay in for a good while...

What bad behavior does the car have to make one wonder if the control arm bushing is torn? Noise? Clunk? Loose steering?

Good question. I would like to hear from people with unmodded suspensions who have noise or alignment issues do to the bushings.

I don't notice any symptoms of my cracked bushings..... either stock.. or now with my H-tech springs.

Interesting. I have been chasing a noise in the front right of my car. Right now I have Ksports. I was think that it might have something to do with it.

^ Same boat with MR Coilovers, hence my interest. Still clunking away despite many hours of tightening bolts, scratching head, posting on here. Looks like I have another thing to go poke at and wonder about in my front suspension.

I didn't find this thread before I posted about my torn bushings. My dealer is replacing the bushings under my extended warranty, but see my discussion of Subaru policy on the matter.

 

Top of thread:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87499

 

My "conclusion" post:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1864618

My dealer had to replace the entire lower control arms on both sides. Stating that they do not just replace the bushings. Thank god it was under warranty.

How many miles were on your car?

 

My dealer had to replace the entire lower control arms on both sides. Stating that they do not just replace the bushings. Thank god it was under warranty.

My dealer had to replace the entire lower control arms on both sides. Stating that they do not just replace the bushings. Thank god it was under warranty.

 

I'll bet Subaru will reject (not pay) that dealer's warranty claim. The bushings are available individually and press in very easily.

Good question. I would like to hear from people with unmodded suspensions who have noise or alignment issues do to the bushings.

 

I was getting steering wheel vibrations, similar to an unbalanced tire/wheel, at highway speeds. Also, after replacing the bushings, I realized how much more firmer the steering was.

If my steering wheel feels really loose, could that be it? The bushing look torn, but I'm not sure...