TRW Lower Control Arms

[MrSho]

I heard that many people who replace their LCA's with aftermarket units complain because the greasable ball-joint leaks like crazy and the boot doesn't seal well. I just purchased TRW LCA's from Advance Auto that are a sealed design. In fact when I made a direct comparison to my old, 110K, sitting for 3 years factory units they look EXACTLY the same (except for the rust on the old ones... ) Here is a link:

http://www.partsamerica.com/Product...01&ptset=A&searchfor=Control+Arm+Kit/Bushings

I remember hearing that TRW made the originals for our cars but I'm not sure if that is true or not. I can take pictures of the new vs. old ones if anyone wants to see them. Anyone else try these out yet?

 

[KeystonePowderCoating]

I've put them on several SHO's that I've owned over the years.

They seem to be ok.

I pass PA inspection each year and during an oil change I usually push/pull on the wheels to see if anything is loose and these arms have been fine.

I say go for it..

-Scott-

 

[Howdy_Doody]

I worked for Moog Automotive at the time they designed the greasable LCA. TRW was one of the OEM suppliers. Moog always wanted their parts to be greasable (Moog doesn't supply any OEM parts!), but the dust boots they used were less than perfect. When we looked at several used LCA, we couldn't find one with any perceptible wear or looseness...so I don't know why you wouldn't be happy with the TRW parts.

 

[Howdy_Doody]

I'd add that the OEM ball joint is what is called a 'follower' design. The impact loads doen't go through the ball joint, they transmit through the spring into the upper strut mount. The LCA just keeps the suspension positioned. Consequently, the ball joints aren't subject to much force and don't wear very fast.

 

[N3FOL]

I heard that many people who replace their LCA's with aftermarket units complain because the greasable ball-joint leaks like crazy and the boot doesn't seal well. I just purchased TRW LCA's from Advance Auto that are a sealed design. In fact when I made a direct comparison to my old, 110K, sitting for 3 years factory units they look EXACTLY the same (except for the rust on the old ones... ) Here is a link:

MrSho,
The TRW LCA's are great. I installed the same part on my 95 SHO. If I am not mistaken, they do have a lifetime replacement warranty from Advance Auto. Since you will be replacing that LCA, consider replacing all the bushings down there as well(front and back of the strut tension bar (I don't know if I said the part correctly)). I got my bushings from NAPA and they are fairly cheap. Have a good pry bar available. Good Luck.