Suspension control arm does this need immediate replacement?

Tiny
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  • 2015 INFINITI QX60
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 92,000 MILES
The service shop said that both front lower control arm bushings are torn and should be replaced. See attached pics they took. Is this urgent? Is this something that I should take care of immediately or can it wait for several month thousands of miles?
Monday, March 3rd, 2025 AT 12:09 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
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From what I can see from the images, they do need to be replaced but it can wait a while, rubber bushings crack like this, but I have seen much worse. Are you experiencing any driving problem or hear abnormal noises, what was the reason for the shop visit?
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Monday, March 3rd, 2025 AT 1:34 PM
Tiny
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Visited the shop to get oil change and they inspected the car as part of the service. It was about a month ago, but I have been busy and poor. Still busy and poor. Wondering if I have some time before I run the risk of getting in more serious issues if I don't get this fixed.

Others have asked me about hearing abnormal noises. I am not sure what that noise may sound like. Is there a video or audio online that contains the abnormal sound?
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Monday, March 3rd, 2025 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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As Ken said, they are due for replacement but not immediate. You would be hearing bangs as you hit bumps and squeaks and groans on turns. The torn boots on the outer ball joints are the worst items, the actual bushings look cracked but not separated. While those can be replaced as parts the ball joints cannot, so you replace the entire arm. While I can't tell you they will last X number of miles, if they are not loose and are not squeaking, you might be able to add some grease in there and nurse it along for a while. You can get the parts online through many places like Rock Auto, however some shops won't install customer supplied parts. You could call around about that as well as pricing.
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Monday, March 3rd, 2025 AT 4:32 PM
Tiny
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Thanks. What pics show that "the actual bushings look cracked but not separated"? I am trying to figure out what bushings look like.
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Monday, March 3rd, 2025 AT 4:35 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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The attached images should show you the bushings, the cracks in the bushings are in the last image you posted but the cracked ball joint boots are in both of the first images.
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Monday, March 3rd, 2025 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
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Thanks. I appreciate the diagrams. So, the cracks are the pieces that look like worn rubber but when they were originally installed, they were black metal-like substance?
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Monday, March 3rd, 2025 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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They are high durometer rubber. They allow the arms to pivot up and down and isolate the vehicle from the suspension noise and vibration. As the rubber ages it hardens and cracks. I've seen them fully broken through and loose in the arm. Those were noisy and the vehicle is hard to drive because it allows the suspension to move in directions other than up and down.
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Monday, March 3rd, 2025 AT 5:50 PM

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