[Milanomike]

First post here, scored a very clean 2008 3 hatchback for my daughter. I knew it had a shudder during braking and figured either the rotors were warped or the lower control arm(s) were shot. Poking around today, the front brakes look fine and relatively fresh, yeah I know rotors could be warped. More more importantly, I found the DS lower control arm back bushing has called it a day, lots of play there pushin/pulling with my pry bar. So, I'll start with LCA's.

RockAuto shows many brands, most of which you would only use if you were selling the car next week. I see Moog (which isn't what it used to be) and Mevotech as worth considered. Moog has 3 year/36K mile warranty, Mevotech is limited lifetime whatever that means. The Mevotech LCA's come with all hardware and zerk fitting even for ball joint. Anyone use these and have some miles on them.

I prefer OEM, but best price for OEM i've found is $140 each, Moog/Mevotech is $60 each. Figuring Moog/Mevotech is about the same, but not really familiar with Mevotech bits.

Any comments welcome, thanks.

 

[Milanomike]

Well, Mevotech Supreme it is. We'll see how they do, even comes with zerk fitting for ball joint.

 

[Milanomike]

Well, job is done, shudder is gone, simply follow videos that are out there with one exception. I found I had to remove the brake discs to get new LCA installed as arm interfered with bottom of disc. Maybe if car was on lift it could have been muscled and done, but for me, it was easier to remove the brake disc.

 

[Milanomike]

OK, car drives and stops great, but got what sounds like a bad bearing. Hopefully, can figure out if it is a bearing or tire or....

 

[Rustforlife]

Hi, just saw your post. I was going to recommend the Mevotechs, but too late. My ‘08 had a vibration in the steering while braking at times, and I thought it might be the rotors. I had them cut, but the problem persisted. I just swapped out the struts, endlinks, and LCA’s(Mevo’s) yesterday. I think that you’ll be happy with them, they’ve been good to me-2nd set.
Unfortunately for me, there’s still a creak in the front right suspension. The only thing not replaced were the sway bar bushings, and it looks like a bit** of a job.

 

[Milanomike]

well, I've still got a bearing noise, threw in towel, took it to a shop I know. They said it drives great, no noise. I think they are deaf, laughing....

 

[Rustforlife]

Try this to detect your bearing noise. Jack one front wheel up, start the car and turn off the DSC. Put the car in drive(only the raised wheel will spin) and listen to the sound. Drop that wheel back on the ground and do the same for the other side. If there’s a bad bearing, there will be a big difference in sound between the two wheels.

 

[Milanomike]

Rustforlife, great idea, I forgot about this approach, did it many years back on a VW I had. Just need to get daughter over here to try it. thanks.