I am starting to have noises and bumps in the front end, most noticible when backing out of a parking space, and sometimes when coming to a stop. It has 87,500 miles, and I know the struts are responible for some of the noise, but I'd like to inspect the bushings. They didn't seem to have play when I tried to move the rods with one wheel off the ground, but I didn't try very hard. My question is how should I inspect the bushings and how hard is it to replace them? Also I'm getting the Haynes manual soon, does it have instructions on replacing them?

Thanks,
Richard
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'90 744 tic

Thanks for the responses, I found the instructions in the FAQ, and I'll be doing this job after my broken finger heals and I can find a day to use the shop at school here.

Richard
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'90 744 tic

Richard:

Usually just the radius arm or radius rod bushings need to be done at that mileage. IPD sells poly ones, as do GAPA, FCP Groton and others (for less). Check the 700/900 FAQ for the procedure:

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/FrontSuspension.htm#RadiusArmBushingReplacement

It's pretty easy, and doesn't require a press. All you need are some 1/2" drive sockets, a big breaker bar, a torque wrench, jackstands and a jack. Good luck with it.
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Mike W., '79 242GT (my project car), '85 245DL (son's project car), '87 245 DL (my daily driver), '90 244DL (son-in-law's daily driver), '91 744T (wife's daily driver), '94 944T (daughter's daily driver), Largo, FL

There's an article at turbobricks.com in which the author describes replacing bushings at home. If you have access to a press I'm sure things would go easier.

I just bought an 88 740 and was mailed the car's service history. It was interesting to find that at every 5k service the front suspension control arms and radius rods were torqued to spec. I'm probably looking at bushings/struts/spring seats soon as I'm hearing a little groaning from the right front. Great excuse to upgrade!

IPD sells complete kits in Polyurethane which is how I'll probably go. Check their website at http://www.ipdusa.com You can also request a catalog which has more information than their site.

Good luck,
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Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t

The control arm and strut rod bushings at the frame end usually last almost forever. If they are shot, they are cheap and easy to replace if you have a press. The strut rod "cone" bushings (where the strut rod joins the control arm) as other respondants have noted, wear faster and are the easiest to replace with no press required. You'll have to remove the strut rod to replace these and you can check the frame end bushing for wear at that time. Front end work is a lot more "pleasant" and goes a lot faster if you have access to a large impact wrench. If not, have a large breaker bar on hand and plan on a lot of grunting and groaning as the bolts you'll encounter are large and VERY tight.