Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

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missvenezuela85
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Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by missvenezuela85 »

I feel like this car is a never ending list of issues.

You all heard about my mudflap issues... then the fenderliner issues that caused the mudflap issue.

I took SnoKone back to Potomac Motors to have the fenderliner looked at and to have them fix any issues relevant to that.

Get a call back, they can fix the fenderliner issue but now there is another issue.

According to the shop, there is something wrong with the lower control arm in the front passengar side. The wheel, according to their fidnings, is half and inch back. So they recommended I take her to Subaru to have it looked at and fixed. I don't know what this means or much less what kind of hole this will blow in my pocket. I just feel like I take one step forward and get pushed back like three. Put new wheels and tires, and mudflaps get eaten and now this.

I am incredibly frustrated with this car. Perhaps more frustrated because I dont really know what this means and how much it will cost. Suggestions, thoughts etc are welcome. I am at the point where I just want to sell my car and take a loss.

Thanks guys and girls....
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by PGT »

is it under warranty? take to Subaru. is that particular wheel near the accident repair? call insurance co.

that said, you can get new STI control arms for about $700ish/set. If you're going to get them replaced (and pay out of pocket), they should be done in pairs (the bushings wear) and might as well get upgraded ones.
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by snaab »

If you can, get the car on a jack and take off the front wheels. If the control arm is deformed enough to move the wheel back, you should be able to see it as compared to the other side, I would think. If it does appear to be misshapen, then possibly you are dealing with bent subframe, resultant from the accident (if on the same side). Control arm bushings can go back very quickly (the Murano's are practically single-use), but that would not account for an inch difference in wheel position.

If one control are -is- deformed, and insurance will -not- be covering it, you can get away with replacing only the one. It will not be the end of the world, particularly because your mileage is not very high. Remember though, an alignment is prescribed after control arm replacement!

Wish I were there to help :( don't give up on SnoKone just yet.
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missvenezuela85
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by missvenezuela85 »

Well, my biggest fear is that there may be other things that are wrong and I just dont know it. I have a friday appointment with subaru but dont want to "just replace it" for another stocker. I would like to replace it for something better and stronger. thoughts on brands? I dont want to give up on my car but I dont want her to be a money pit either.... (well she is a money pit but I want her to be a money pit for the good things like upgrades to make her better... thoughts?)
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by Mr Kleen »

I would be amazed if this wasn't due to the accident.
I would be amazed if this happened after the accident and you didn't notice the event.
I am amazed that the shop that did the repairs didn't catch this if it did happen before the accident.

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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by missvenezuela85 »

I didn't fall in a crater and I didn't eat a curb. I will have a talk with the shop Friday... back to my other question, anyone recomend stronger and better control arms? Might as well upgrade while I am at it...
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by PGT »

from subaru.com, it shows B2010FE251DS as the proper p/n. $388/ea MSRP (they can be had for 20-30% off that, usually.

Image

edit - note says it doesn't fit the wagon. more research is needed to see if there's an option (most likely b/c sedan has a wider track)
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by PGT »

good info.....looks like the older Impreza/GCA arms are the ticket http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/suspensio ... atter.html

also found a note that you can run the '02+ sedan p/n I mentioned above but need to put a some spacers on the front sway to make up the diff in track (which would be simpler to do than having new bearings pressed on the GC8 arms).

Alas, best advice is to call a specialist. I know IAG converted a wagon to sedan fenders (including the rear) so they'd be a good resource. Ask for JJ. Or, Dan at Andrewtech would know for sure as well. I'd trust either of their answers for a definitive ruling here.
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by missvenezuela85 »

^ Thanks! I am going to have Subaru look at it but I am also going to call IAG and AndreTech and see if I can just upgrades to better ones. I figure if I need to replace it may as well upgrade for performance. I firgure I probably would just invest and do all four... ?
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by Sabre »

missvenezuela85 wrote:Well, my biggest fear is that there may be other things that are wrong...

I would like to replace it for something better and stronger...
I'd be very shocked if this wasn't caused by the accident as well. Those things are VERY strong. That being said, they are and should be the weakest link in that part of the car. The last thing you want is for them to be stronger and for the next big impact to bend the subframe. That being said, the ones that the guys are recommending are great since they are lighter weight and just as strong as the originals.
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by PGT »

missvenezuela85 wrote: I figure if I need to replace it may as well upgrade for performance. I firgure I probably would just invest and do all four... ?
there's only one per side, up front. for the rear....not sure there's an STI replacement that isn't just harder bushings
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by missvenezuela85 »

She is at Subaru right now. I am having them do a used car inspection as well to see if they can diagnose any hidden issues... I also asked Subaru to give me the bent control arm if they replace it.

I am so down...
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by missvenezuela85 »

So, after speaking with Subaru the problems (s) have been determined: My control arm AND my strut are bent in the front passenger side. So I am having Subaru fix the control arm but I think I am just going to have to give in and upgrade my suspension…. Soooooooo…. Thoughts?
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by Sabre »

What's your budget? That is how all discussions should begin!
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by missvenezuela85 »

1k-1.5k. Preferably would like a similar setup to Adams but I would have to cut out panels in the back of my car.
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by snaab »

Ugh, no bueno. I love a new suspension as much as the next person, but not when you are forced into buying it :(
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by PGT »

this is a hard combo to beat http://turninconcepts.com/product_info. ... ts_id=1098

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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by complacent »

snaab wrote:Ugh, no bueno. I love a new suspension as much as the next person, but not when you are forced into buying it :(
this. big-time.

sorry to hear she's still ailing. :(
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by Sabre »

Ya, that combo would be hard to beat!
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by PGT »

and, it comes ready to go so 45min install
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by missvenezuela85 »

Thank you everyone for your assistance. I have decided to have Subaru replace the strut... I just dont want to be without a car for sometime while I co-ordinate an install as it is a complete hassel to get to Tyson's corner (my office) from my house. I will start looking into a new suspension and invest in it without having to rush. Bad timing, thats all.

Thanks again for your help. I will keep you updated on my car's progress :)
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by missvenezuela85 »

Hi everyone.... Well you saw my control arm last night and Darrin seemed to have thought the same as us... a lift was placed on the control arm. Well I am not going to post the name of the suspected culprit here but if someone mentions they are having work done at their shop, I will give them a fair warning to think twice.

So I went back to Potomac Motors to discuss my alignment with them and to see the alignment specs of my car from when they returned her to me (the only alignment done on the car before this control arm fiasco). I wanted to compare those numbers to the alignment done by Subaru and see where everything went wrong and how bad.

Here are screen shots of my alignment specs per request of Dr.WRX :)

Alignment done when Potomac Motors returned my car:
Image

Alignment done by Subaru @ Tyson's last week (no caster included)
Image

Alignment done by Subaru @ tyson's last week with caster (per request and suggestion of Potomac Motors)
Image

My car still pulls a bit to the right... I have tried testing it on the left side of the road on the flattest surface possible and it still pulls (put the car in neutral). Took her back to Subaru @Tysons last week and the mechanic could not confirm this and said my car was fine (but then again he tested her on windy roads. I know this because I went with him). This weekend Adam drove my car to test it and he noticed the pull too.. its subtle but annoying. Adam noticed that when he was driving my car and let go of the steering wheel that it was a degree or two off center (steering wheel was a degreee or two to the right).

I am really bummed about this whole situation and not sure what to do. Its been a real expensive fix and its still not resolved completely... Its sad that I am losing sleep over this and stressing over my car... its a damn new car but I feel as though its been an uphill battle since I bought it...
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by Sabre »

Hey Anna,
I'm so sorry this hasn't been resolved :( I would REALLY like someone to start a thread on that said shop. I know at least 5 people that would chime in with very similar stories!

If you're not satisfied, take it back to them. Talk to the manager and insist it get's fixed to your liking (and for no additional cost!).
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by missvenezuela85 »

^ The Manager of Potomac Motors suggested I go back to Subaru @ Tyson's too. I called the guy who was helping me. I went back last Friday but it wasn't a successful visit. I am just so bummed.

So what should I do about said shop? Should I call said owner and let them know what happened?
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Re: Help...Front Lower Control Arm Issue

Post by zaxrex »

Sadly, I have been in similar situations. I feel for you.

Calling couldn't hurt. That will give them the opportunity to fix their mistake.
If then they don't offer, then you request.
If they decline still, then refuting the charge on the credit card would be my next step.
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