Leaking control arm bushing?

[shaker281]

I noticed a small leak near the rear inside of the front passenger tire. The fluid is odorless and black, I am assuming hydraulic fluid. I see residue on what I think is the bottom (only) of the front lower rearward (passenger side) control arm bushing.

I think this is the part: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3485235&cc=1445050&jsn=456

Is this fluid filled? Any advice on the replacement procedure?

 

[SHOdded]

More likely to be the engine mount or transmission support insulator. I remember a previous incident, but it is for the driverside and was a trans insulator issue.
https://secure.revolutionparts.com/...ine/engine-cat/engine-and-trans-mounting-scat

 

[shaker281]

Hey dude, thanks for responding so soon. The only residue seems to be on the bottom of the unit I linked to. I'll look again, but I felt around all over the piece and nothing anywhere else to indicate a drip from above or elsewhere. Why I was wondering if that unit contained fluid. I did find the threads about trans and motor mounts (and turbos) and was expecting something similar, but found this instead? This is after I wiped off the fluid though.

Your responses are always spot on, so I will definitely check further.

 

[SHOdded]

You have a point there ... of course the FSM doesn't provide any clarity on the bushing itself ... Could it be a ball joint boot perhaps? AFAIK, you have identified the part as a Lower Arm Rearward Bushing per the pics below.

Front Suspension — Exploded View


Item Part Number Description
1 W705967 Wheel hub nut
2 2C300 Wheel bearing and wheel hub
3 1107 Wheel stud (also part of 1104) (5 required)
4 3K171 LH/ 3K170 RH Wheel knuckle
5 W710015 Tie-rod end nut
6 W714331 Wheel bearing and wheel hub bolt (4 required)
7 W520215 Strut-to-wheel knuckle nut
8 W710396 Strut-to-wheel knuckle flag bolt
9 3051 LH/ 3042 RH Lower control arm
10 W714890 Lower ball joint nut
11 W710174 Lower arm forward bolt
12 W520515 Lower arm rearward nuts (2 required)
13 W708848 Lower arm rearward bolt (2 required)
14 3C339 LH/ 3C403 RH Lower arm rearward bushing


Item Part Number Description
1 W713968 Stabilizer bar link upper nut
2 5B421 LH/ 5B420 RH Strut and spring assembly
3 W520215 Strut-to-wheel knuckle nut
4 W714812 Strut upper mount nut (4 required)
5 W710396 Strut-to-wheel knuckle flag bolt
6 5K484 Stabilizer bar link


Item Part Number Description
1 W505274 Stabilizer bar bracket bolts (4 required)
2 W520215 Stabilizer bar link lower nut (2 required)
3 W713968 Stabilizer bar link upper nut (2 required)
4 5482 Stabilizer bar assembly
5 5K484 Stabilizer bar link (2 required)

 

[SHOdded]

Lower Arm
Removal and Installation

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .

1. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stud from turning while removing the nut.
   
   Using a crowfoot wrench, remove and discard the lower ball joint nut.
   • To install, tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).

1. NOTICE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.
   
   Push the lower arm downward until the ball joint is clear of the wheel knuckle.

1. Remove and discard the lower arm forward bolt.
   • To install, tighten the new bolt to 185 Nm (136 lb-ft).

1. Remove and discard the lower arm rearward nuts and bolts.
   • To install, tighten the new nuts to 99 Nm (73 lb-ft).
   • Install the new lower arm rearward bolts from the bottom of the lower arm bushing with the nuts on top.

1. If necessary, remove the lower arm rearward bushing. For additional information, refer to Lower Arm Bushing in this section.

1. NOTICE: The lower arm forward bolt must be tightened with the weight of the vehicle on the wheels and tires or damage to the bushings may occur.
   
   To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

Lower Arm Bushing

Special Tool(s)
Remover, Drive Pinion Bearing Cone
205-D002 (D79L-4621-A)
Removal

1. Remove the lower arm. For additional information, refer to Lower Arm in this section.

1. Index-mark the bushing-to-lower arm position for reference during the installation procedure.

1. NOTE: The Drive Pinion Bearing Cone Remover is used to secure the lower arm bushing while separating the bushing from the lower arm.
   
   Using the Drive Pinion Bearing Cone Remover, a suitable press and adapters, remove the lower arm bushing.

• 
  

Installation

1. NOTE: The Drive Pinion Bearing Cone Remover is used to clamp and hold the lower arm while installing the bushing.
   
   Install the Drive Pinion Bearing Cone Remover onto the lower arm.

1. Transfer the index mark to the new lower arm bushing.

1. NOTE: The Drive Pinion Bearing Cone Remover is used to clamp and hold the lower arm while installing the bushing.
   
   Align the index marks and using the Drive Pinion Bearing Cone Remover, a suitable press and adapters, install a new lower arm bushing.

• 
  

1. Install the lower arm. For additional information, refer to Lower Arm in this section.

 

[shaker281]

Wow, thanks! Major PITA apparently. I only saw the drips recently and only after driving and parking in the garage, so after a few more trips I'll check for more drips. It is starting to look doubtful that the rearward bushing can be replaced without removing the entire control arm assembly. Though with the wheel off and the control arm resting on a floor jack, perhaps it can be maneuvered.

 

[SHOdded]

Ok, I just found out that the Ford Fusion uses hydro bushings in the lower control arms. So it IS entirely possible the same scenario applies to the SHO, and that that may indeed be the culprit. I don't have any details yet on these "hydro bushings", but seeing as how some of the previous Gen SHOs have used hydraulic motor mounts ... Research needed.

 

[shaker281]

Thanks. Since the initial drip and cleaning it all up, no more signs of dripping. No apparent signs of any symptoms either. I guess I'll just watch tire wear, since it seems at this point not worth dealing with. Your help is very much appreciated.

 

[Sgtmeatsauce1]

It looks like exhaust juices from idling when cold out....

 

[Eric Morris]

One of mine is leaking. It's clearly from the bushing and is oil. Rockauto's listing shows they do come with hydro bushings.

Replacement looks like cake to me if you just swap in the new arm with a new ball joint and bushings. $140 each for the Motorcraft part.