REAR Control Arm - HELP !, Need Help Options

[ajracer]

Just thought someone might know the answer to my questions.
Problem is my Control arms appear to be really, really stiff in their
movement (after the struts were removed) With nothing restricting
their movement I found it very diffficult to move them up or down
to simulate the normal suspension travel !

The bushings appear to be just the factory "rubber' ones and nothing
seems to pivot very well. Is this normal ? Should I be concerned ?
Any comments are appreciated. Thanks

Allan

[davep]

Basically, the shaft and arm are both bonded to the rubber. It tends to act like a spring. As has been said, if the bushing is still in good shape and you don't wish to upgrade, just leave it alone. Installing plastic bushings is quite an exercise to do correctly. Best is the bearings that were mentioned. Overall, I'd guess the bearings would be about the same cost as installing plastic bushings properly unless you don't mind constant squeeking and binding from the plastic. There may also be an issue of longevity with the plastic compared to the bearings.