Should I worry about these rubber pieces? Also does my dog bone mount look ok?
The rubber pieces on the ends of the lower control arms served two different purposes.
The end of that attaches to the subframe has a rubber bushing to provide some dampening while also allowing free movement in the vertical plane.
The rubber piece at the other end is a grease cap over the ball joints which are integral to the lower control arm. When the grease cap gets compromised, like yours, all of the grease gets exposed to the rest of the world and either comes out from around that joint or crap gets in and contaminates it, keeping the ball joint from moving freely. Eventually all of the grease either hardens or falls off and the ball joint movement becomes metal on metal. Which you don't want.
So yes, you most definitely want to replace both lower control arms.
As for the lower torque axis dog bone, there appears to be a large oil leak in the vicinity or from above. The rear most end shows the rubber is still attached to the overall dog bone metal but can't see the center where the bolt goes through. Looks pretty dried out. If it has no flexibility whatsoever, as in really stiff, it should be replaced because it's not functioning to isolate vibrations anymore.
The near end appears to be contaminated with oil, and I can't really figure out where the rubber starts. I'd replace it.
The end of that attaches to the subframe has a rubber bushing to provide some dampening while also allowing free movement in the vertical plane.
The rubber piece at the other end is a grease cap over the ball joints which are integral to the lower control arm. When the grease cap gets compromised, like yours, all of the grease gets exposed to the rest of the world and either comes out from around that joint or crap gets in and contaminates it, keeping the ball joint from moving freely. Eventually all of the grease either hardens or falls off and the ball joint movement becomes metal on metal. Which you don't want.
So yes, you most definitely want to replace both lower control arms.
As for the lower torque axis dog bone, there appears to be a large oil leak in the vicinity or from above. The rear most end shows the rubber is still attached to the overall dog bone metal but can't see the center where the bolt goes through. Looks pretty dried out. If it has no flexibility whatsoever, as in really stiff, it should be replaced because it's not functioning to isolate vibrations anymore.
The near end appears to be contaminated with oil, and I can't really figure out where the rubber starts. I'd replace it.
The rubber pieces on the ends of the lower control arms served two different purposes.
The end of that attaches to the subframe has a rubber bushing to provide some dampening while also allowing free movement in the vertical plane.
The rubber piece at the other end is a grease cap over the ball joints which are integral to the lower control arm. When the grease cap gets compromised, like yours, all of the grease gets exposed to the rest of the world and either comes out from around that joint or crap gets in and contaminates it, keeping the ball joint from moving freely. Eventually all of the grease either hardens or falls off and the ball joint movement becomes metal on metal. Which you don't want.
So yes, you most definitely want to replace both lower control arms.
As for the lower torque axis dog bone, there appears to be a large oil leak in the vicinity or from above. The rear most end shows the rubber is still attached to the overall dog bone metal but can't see the center where the bolt goes through. Looks pretty dried out. If it has no flexibility whatsoever, as in really stiff, it should be replaced because it's not functioning to isolate vibrations anymore.
The near end appears to be contaminated with oil, and I can't really figure out where the rubber starts. I'd replace it.
The end of that attaches to the subframe has a rubber bushing to provide some dampening while also allowing free movement in the vertical plane.
The rubber piece at the other end is a grease cap over the ball joints which are integral to the lower control arm. When the grease cap gets compromised, like yours, all of the grease gets exposed to the rest of the world and either comes out from around that joint or crap gets in and contaminates it, keeping the ball joint from moving freely. Eventually all of the grease either hardens or falls off and the ball joint movement becomes metal on metal. Which you don't want.
So yes, you most definitely want to replace both lower control arms.
As for the lower torque axis dog bone, there appears to be a large oil leak in the vicinity or from above. The rear most end shows the rubber is still attached to the overall dog bone metal but can't see the center where the bolt goes through. Looks pretty dried out. If it has no flexibility whatsoever, as in really stiff, it should be replaced because it's not functioning to isolate vibrations anymore.
The near end appears to be contaminated with oil, and I can't really figure out where the rubber starts. I'd replace it.
Will replace the dog bone mount.
When you say "replace both lower control arms" do you mean on both sides of vehicle?
Sorry I'm not very well versed in the names of the parts, not sure where could find diagram,
Yes, both sides so that the bushings and ball joints behave the same
That's where they rust out...on that part of the subframe. It's kinda funny...i checked about 6 months ago and you could still buy an oem gm subframe from the parts houses for $600 for the s cars.....
That's where they rust out...on that part of the subframe. It's kinda funny...i checked about 6 months ago and you could still buy an oem gm subframe from the parts houses for $600 for the s cars.....
Is that final picture I sent where it's so rusted, the subframe? I'm not so sure I'd feel confident replacing that arm on that rusty area, I feel like it will just fall apart ☹️
That is indeed part of the subframe.
Mine had huge holes rusted out and missing.
If you passed inspection if you have it in whatever state you live, your mechanic thinks it is safe to drive.
Put the front of the car up on jack stands and get underneath and check it out.
It looks nasty because it is nasty, but banging on it gently with a hammer, you will see it still has structural integrity. If you think about how many years it took to get to The way it is now, you will realize that it is a slow decay process. Might have looked close to that for several years. You might know, I don't.
Mine had huge holes rusted out and missing.
If you passed inspection if you have it in whatever state you live, your mechanic thinks it is safe to drive.
Put the front of the car up on jack stands and get underneath and check it out.
It looks nasty because it is nasty, but banging on it gently with a hammer, you will see it still has structural integrity. If you think about how many years it took to get to The way it is now, you will realize that it is a slow decay process. Might have looked close to that for several years. You might know, I don't.
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