I just took my car out of storage and was told I may need both lower control arms on my 05 crossfire with 70k miles. What does this part do? What if I don't replace it? Where can I get this part? Thank you!

 

these are the lower control arms, they keep your wheels in the correct location, pretty important

https://www.needswings.com/lower-control-arm-r170r193

 

Thank you so much for helping me!!!!

 

I would get a second opinion on needing control arms.

 

Unless you have been driving this car on cross-country motorcycle trails I cannot see how both LCA'a need replacing at the same time on your car. I also would check with a couple of european car mechanics in your area. Don't tell them you have a diagnosis of both lower control arms (LCA's) just ask them to do a suspension check (probably cost you a few dollars, paying that would be less than replacing them if not needed). Good luck!


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Well I have already ordered the parts. I trust the garage, but then again who knows... $950 for parts and labor.

 

I've been on the forum for 14 years and I don't recall anyone ever having to replace control arms unless modifying the suspension. Maybe they have but never posted about it?

 

The actual metal arm is usually not bad, it is the rubber bushings pressed into them that cause the need for replacement. There is a replacement busing kit available but by the time you buy the bushing kit and press adapter/tool you are up on par with the cost of a new arm with new bushings already installed. Pressing out the old, cleaning up and pressing in the new bushings are a PITA. If even 1 of the bushings fights with you in or out, it is a losing scenario, EVEN MORE SO IF YOU ARE PAYING FOR LABOR. From experience we will choose to replace the arm 100% of the time now instead of fighting with the bushings. It sounds like your mechanic also has experience with this, stay the course and the car should be back on the road shortly.

 

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At a cost of almost a grand, I would have asked for a SECOND opinion.


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I had to buy arms for my 04 coupe just this week. $189 shipped from Rockauto. Have to look for them under SLK320, not Crossfire.

 

Exactly... Knowledge is powerful! Unlike the old saying 'you never get a second chance to make a first impression', the opposite being true is you can never go wrong when you can get a second opinion (sometimes even a third), especially on Crossfires! Believe it or not there are still members (long time members) who would rather take the car to a Chrysler dealership (Un-affectionally known as a 'stealership') with no idea if they have any of the hardware/software on hand OR someone available/trained in that hardware/software......


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Just a follow up since I appreciated the responses. The mechanic showed me the rubber bushings on both arms. They were literally crumbling and breaking off in pieces. The car was in Florida from 20
05 until 2020 when I bought in and had it shipped to Wisconsin. I don't know if the hot weather affected the part, but they definitely did need replacing.

 

Very common issue on the Crossfire. Almost all of them need the rearward front lower control arm bushings by this point in time, regardless of mileage.