Upper control arm pic

[46callaway]

Here's a pic of the driver side upper control arm/bushing on my 96 Mark VIII. It doesn't look good. My question is, with it being in this condition is it dangerous to drive the car like this? Also, do I need to replace the whole upper control arm or is there a place where I can just get the bushing?

 

[frankjc]

That is not a bushing, it is a rubber boot to protect the upper ball joint. It's purpose is to keep the grease in and the crap out. I don't know if the boot can be bought seperately. If there's no play, it is probably safe to drive for the moment, but the boot being torn will speed up the wear process. The arm assembly is fairly easy to replace, they run about $75- per side.

 

[maxmk8]

Yea that usually warrants replacement of the entire arm. They are relatively cheap though... check rock-auto.

 

[J]

If there's no play, it is probably safe to drive for the moment,

Ditto.....unless you're a paranoid mo-fo like Max, just keep driving it.....its completely safe and will last for a long time.