FAQ: Lower Control Arms & Bushings 1995/1996/1997/1998/1999

So, if I were to give exact measurements you could machine me some bushings? I have my other are still intact on the car I just fear when that fails I'll be SOL..

No, I won't machine anything. I will search for some poly bushing replacements. I was referring to a thread I found here using an Audi bushing.

Measurement would be helpful though. Recess diameter and depth.

You guess are very helpful, that's why I decided to register instead of just being just eyes looking in. Yea I had no luck what so ever and the mechanics looked into many online sources. They all come up with that completely different arm. Quick question, Where in the world can I find a rear sway bar? Parts are this car are either nonexistent or just so rare..

That's the name and type of bushings that I need to research? Despite all the wear and tear and money invested..I just can't see myself getting rid of the car..Im in love. " />

Meant guy's sorry for the typo

Get a 22mm rear sway bar from a Cadillac STS or a 20mm from an 01-03 Aurora. I don't have an Riviera but no one has told me to leave yet haha. I have sister car Aurora.

Lol..Thank for the info and help! I broke my passenger one doing 90 mph around a bend...stupid me.

You broke the end link or the sway bar?

The sway bar broke from the end link.

Here. Please excuse my rust.. " />

Thats actually kind of impressive. I'm not sure I've personally seen a sway bar snap BEFORE an end link lol.

That's what happens with rust on the undercarriage and from 90 mph around a turn causing overSteer. Lol.

Nooooooo....

I know... I didn't realize I was going that fast until I almost lost it! My driving skills kicked in quickly and I slowly applied brakes. Good thing the rivi has a good job controlling body roll or I would have been toast!

I am betting this would work in the '97 control arm. Very comparable specs to the '96 but 2-3/8" wide.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1032221&cc=1418408&jnid=1113&jpid=8

Please measure that '97 control arm with calipers! I read in this thread that the diameter was 2-3/8". Otherwise I have researched poly options and will be going with those in some used 95-96 control arms if I can find a pair.

I think I would be better off finding a pair of poly bushings rather than trying too find the exact arm i have because my old arm is still in fairly good shape I believe.

This right here would be the poly version of said bushing I linked above. Try them and let us know.

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=8.3117

I have sourced some for 95-96 as well but need a different sized sleeve. Which I have also sourced. There is already a stout thermoplastic rear bushing available. I will report back when my upgrade is complete.

Right now I am looking at roughly $60 shipped for all parts/materials minus ball joints. While I can get brand new control arms for a little more this should be much better in the end. I will however buy a set of control arms to have on hand in case something goes awry to avoid a week or so of down time. Though I really do NOT like the idea of pushing the wheel 1/2" to 5/8" forward in the wheel well. Which seems this is what any of these aftermarket control arms are going to do. The bushings are also NOT the same size for either of them. Which must be the reason no one but Prime Choice lists these as compatible from what I can find. They can always be returned if not used.

Will do. Hopefully they fit my control arm. Hopefully they fiit for my 97. I agree i wouldn't want too push the wheel any closer than what it is that would be some rubbing or cutting involved and that does not sound very fun. Thanks for the link and help.

Did you ever measure the control arm for certainty?. There are some specs listed previously in the thread but a larger sample would be helpful.

Unfortunately I don't have a tape measure at the moment. I kust had my lower ball joint replaced which has been crippling and preventing me from going anywhere. I will get one this weekend and report back with the measurements. I spoke with the dealer trying to locate a ball joint and they informed me that back then they only replaced the whole arm, but he does have one up north for just the driver side for $450! Crazy.

Yeah the bushing is/was only available with the purchase of a new control arm. Which is why one has to find a suitable replacement. A tape measure likely won't be accurate enough though. Calipers or something better.

Ok. I will have too find some of those at an auto parts store. Do you happen to know the price range?

In a pinch the 99 regal LCA will fit the 95/96/97 riv with the front vertical bushing. Its not ideal replacement as the geometry is just slightly off pushing the wheel forward some and the bushings are not as durable (partly the brand and partly the regal is so much lighter so they are not as beefy as the riv's), but if the car is down, it should work for much cheaper than $450 each.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1352821,parttype,10401

Mr.Riviera wrote:

In a pinch the 99 regal LCA will fit the 95/96/97 riv with the front vertical bushing. Its not ideal replacement as the geometry is just slightly off pushing the wheel forward some and the bushings are not as durable (partly the brand and partly the regal is so much lighter so they are not as beefy as the riv's), but if the car is down, it should work for much cheaper than $450 each.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carcode,1352821,parttype,10401

By that logic, couldn't you just get the ZZP tubular LCAs since they appear to have the adjustable eyelet on them? Then you can get awesome stuff that fits and works better than stock.

I don't know if I made a post earlier in this thread or not regarding the complete LCA's or if this info is of any use to anybody else.

I have found, in the past, the best prices for both the control arms (Dorman) for between $50.00 and $60.00 each.

They come with the bushings and ball joint. The bushings appear to be of a harder material than stock and should eliminate any movement in that area.

I bought one side when I saw it for sale at about $50.00 with free shipping, then requested to be notified when the other P/N became available. Got an email from them sometime later about the second one and it was less than $60.00 with free shipping also.

The car didn't need them at the time I bought them but figured I would need them at some time in the future.

While I have the car jacked up to do the cradle mounts I'm going to be checking the control arm bushings and if they're even slightly loose I'll replace both control arms now and have the alignment done, which should be done after replacing the cradle bushings anyway.