Tech says rear control arms are worn to 3.5 out of 5. Replace now or wait?
 

My indi tech says that my rear control arms have play in them when he tests them by prying, and, test by grabbing the rear tire and twists side to side. He gives it a 3.5 out of 5 (5 being totally worn out). Both sides, rear.

I'm not feeling this when I drive it, and I'm not hearing any noises. Then again, my Pirelli P-Zero tires are quite squishy and have kinda ruined the firm handling some anyway.. so maybe that's hiding any additional negative impact on handling from the wearing out control arms???

"Broken / worn out" wise, these arms have probly 30k left. I just put a bunch of money into the car for other unrelated things. Do you guys think I should just go ahead, suck it up, and replace the control arms now ... as this might tighten up handling, or, are rear control arms not a very important factor in tight handling? :dunno: ( I know the front ones sure are )

Thanks!

Rear controls are very important. How many miles on your car, and what kind of car. It would be nice if you put that info in your sig. Thanks.

Oops.. sorry about that; Its an '03 3.0i Non-Sport susp. 97k miles. No rear suspension parts replaced yet (except for a stiffer anti-sway bar that just went on). Thx

I just had my right rear control arm replaced i have 104k miles on it. Mine however was completely worn. I never felt it but it did squeak when i went over speed bumps

Well at those miles, might as well replace them. Maybe you can save some dough by providing the parts to the indy, this way you aren't subject to the upcharge he will charge you for parts.

Also, SA and Turn, please place your info in your sig.

Example:

2003 3.0i E53
Black/Black
Cold weather pkg, Rear Climate Pkg, etc

Thanks guys.