Our 1990 Accord has 188k miles, no suspension parts replaced except struts
at 67K. I get a steady vibration and a lot of "road feel" in the steering
at any speed. Vibration steadies out in the 70s mph range, more predominant
at slower speeds. Looking to rebuild front end, replace struts.

Do I replace bushings in upper and lower control arms or replace the entire
assemblies?

Also radius rod bushings, replace or ignore?

Best question, what should be replaced and what should be left alone? Yes,
I know I'm asking for armchair diagnostics.

Next best question, best internet sources for good CHEAP OEM parts?

Thanks.

Don

"Eric" <say.no@spam.now> wrote in message news:437FCA98.EC33AAB8@spam.now...
> Chris wrote:
>>
>> > It would be extremely difficult to tell exactly without performing a
>> > physical inspection first. Has any of the above advice you've received
>> > resulted from a physical inspection or are they just knowledgeable
>> > hypotheses?
>> >
>> > Eric
>> >
>> Hi,
>> It's just passed it's MOT without a mention of anything worn. Apparentlyy
>> nothing is visible on a ramp. I am told that dismantling is the next
>> diagnostic stage. I was just hoping it was a common fault at a certain
>> age or mileage. All suspension parts are original as far as we can tell.
>>
>> Thanks for your input.
>>
>
> There are many suspension checks that cannot be performed when the
> suspension is loaded by having the tires on ramps as you have described
> above. A competent mechanic will use devices such as a large prybar and a
> large set of ChannelLock pliers to test the various suspension joints and
> bushings for free play. In addition, it is also quite common to grab the
> tire and rock it back and forth in a few different orientations designed
> to
> reveal looseness in certain parts, e.g. upper and lower ball joints, wheel
> bearing, and the tie rod. Again, none of these checks can be performed
> when
> the suspension is loaded with the tires on ramps. If this was indeed the
> protocol that was followed during your recent inspection, then I would
> suggest that the results were inconclusive at best.
>
> Eric