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Can you perform an alignment if the control arm bushings are bad?

Tiny
EETIMM
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 VOLVO V70
  • 200,000 MILES
I took my car to a shop for an alignment and needed new front tires. After noticing some unusual wear a month or two later, my usual mechanic investigates and finds that the control arm bushings were completely shot. My mechanic stated emphatically that you cannot align a car if the bushings are bad, and further that the person doing the alignment would be able to tell that there was a problem. The shop performing the alignment says that it is my problem and called me a loser. Can anyone verify this with their experience (not the loser thing. But the alignment question)? Thanks so much!
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Tuesday, October 8th, 2013 AT 10:19 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Most shops will inspect a front end PRIOR to aligning it. And yes your usual mechanic is correct front end bushings shot will cause all kind sof problems like not being able to hold an alignment for one and allow caster and camber to move thus tire wear on outside and inside of tires. Was it the manager that would not believe what you said? I would go back and talk to him, if not certainly have the bushings replaced and then re-aligned. You can always use the courts to get your money back. It also will cause brakes to pull to one side or the other depending on which side is worn out. Sounds like whoever did the alignment wasn't very good. I've been doing this for damn near 50 yrs so I kinda think I know what i'm talking about.
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Tuesday, October 8th, 2013 AT 10:33 AM
Tiny
EETIMM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks. That confirms what I believed. This was a Tuffy shop and I am attempting to work with their corporate customer service department to resolve this. Getting an independent expert opinion is very helpful. I appreciate the feedback. ET
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Tuesday, October 8th, 2013 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
No problem that's why we are here to help people out. Thanks for using 2carpros.
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Tuesday, October 8th, 2013 AT 12:16 PM
Tiny
NOMDEPLUME
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Are after market bushings acceptable, and if so what brands are reliable, or do you recommend OEM bushings? I have a 2007 Honda Accord SE - 6cyl, 91k miles. Thank you.
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Thursday, November 8th, 2018 AT 10:05 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,702 POSTS
This post is for a Volvo please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, November 10th, 2018 AT 11:18 AM

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