whypraty@gmail.com wrote:
> Hi -
> my '97 civic has done 74,000 miles. Quite well maintained, regularly
> serviced, etc.
>
> During my last oil change, the dealer advised that I replace the
> trailing arm bushings, which will make me poorer by $500. I drive my
> car infrequently, and would like to avoid this expense unless it
> threatens driving safety. I do not feel any noticeable squeaking or
> anything, as other messges on the topic suggested.
>
> 1. Is it likely that replacing bushings is critical given the 74k
> mileage on a '97 civic ex? I am skeptical because other messages
> talking about bushings had much more mileage in it.
>
> 2. Also, is there an easy way to visually inspect the bushings to
> verify the dealer's claim?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Praty
>
absolutely you can inspect them. jack up the rear so the tire is off
the ground. get your head down and look underneath. it's a great big
bushing where the trailing arm is bolted to the chassis. if you see
significant cracks or tears, it needs replacing. if not, it doesn't!
it is suspect about needing bushings at your age and mileage, but since
you can see for your self so easily, you won't get ripped off.

regarding replacement, google this group for elle's experience replacing
these bushings. she located a tool that allows you to do it with the
trailing arms still on the car - a *huge* advantage and cost saving.
the tool's not too expensive and the bushings are $60 each. again,
google this group for part numbers. take the vehicle in to have
alignment checked after you do it - rear suspension alignment on hondas
is highly sensitive and critical to satisfactory handling.

caution: carefully inspect the trailing arms for corrosion and cracking.
honda factory spec is to replace the whole arm to eliminate risk,
hence the high cost. but if the arms are in good condition, replacing
just the bushings is fine. i've done it a bunch of times on my hondas
and enjoy restoring the handling of the vehicle back to the way it
should be.