Front control arms whats the Issues

[MR442]

So I see the front upper control arms for sale in stock form all over the place .

What issues are with them . Do they crack . or get weak ? What do I need to look for?

Reason I asked is some times when I go to turn into somewhere there is a Snap sound . Or when power braking it . No I don't do burn outs Much!
I have checked brakes numerous times as well as all bushings all seems well .

I'm replacing the brakes system stuff ,Caliper,cylinders because its basically sat since 89 . And was run less than 1000 miles a year .While at it May do some upgrades.

 

[username]

If your hearing the front end making noise while turning you defintely should jack the frontend up and give a once over on balljoints and steering componets.It could be a bad day to lose a tierod or balljoint while under way.

 

[MR442]

Thanks a good place to start .
Its done it since new Dealer couldn't find it go figure.
And been checked every year since 86 for inspection only has 20000 miles .
I checked my self several time all tight no play . I do my own wrenching .
But I will be taking things apart and Will put new ones in regardless.

 

[megaladon6]

IDK about problems with the stockers in terms of breakage. but the aftermarket ones can be a major handling improvement.

 

[FE3X CLONE]

I've found one of the more common things to snap are the stabalizer end links. Those will make a clunking noise when making a turn.

And the stock control arms on my '87 had close to 200K on them before I pulled them out. Looked perfectly fine. In face I cleaned and reused the lowers.

 

[MR442]

Thanks guys . I have to or want to redo brakes because of lake of use so will dive into things while at it.

 

[papabearxl]

If your hearing the front end making noise while turning you defintely should jack the frontend up and give a once over on balljoints and steering componets.It could be a bad day to lose a tierod or balljoint while under way.

Yeah, I had the driver, lower balljoint come out on me underway, pulling on to the highway a month or so back.........not a fun day......just glad I wasn't doing more than a couple miles an hour......