texas008

2007 GL450 (111k miles), driver side front lower control arm's rear mount bushing got cracks on it (making noise going over speed bumps), will probably replace both lower control arms together.
The upper arms seems fine, and the struts were replaced 11k miles ago at 100k miles.

While replacing those two CAs, seems its a good opportunity to get the following parts replaced all together:
both front brake rotors (noticeable lips on them)
both front lower ball joints (original never replaced)
stabilizer bar bushings (4) and links (2) (original never replaced)
various nuts as listed in FCP's front suspension service kit.

wonder if there is any other parts that might need attention while replacing the CA's?
thanks a lot,

EWT

The tie rods are worth checking too. Mine were ok with about double the mileage, but while you're in there..... I don't think replacing the ball joints is optional if you're replacing the arms. The stock ones are pressed in and the replacement ball joints add a lock ring. If you don't have a tool you can use to tighten it (it has notches on it for a tool to grab), it might be worth buying the socket FCP Euro sells for that purpose.

texas008

Thanks a lot for the note, will check those items.
Yes the tool is called Mercedes Ball Joint Socket 4-Lug CTA Manufacturing 1082.

alive19

Change the air filter to the airmatic compressor. You need to take the wheel liner off to replace it, so may as well do it.

I pretty much did the same you did and did not replace any of the nuts. They are lock nuts that should be replaced, but most of them have pretty high tightening torques. I haven't detected any movement in them. I'd only replace them if I wasn't going to look under my car again.

Lower ball joints are optional. They are pressed into the knuckle. You need to remove the axle from the knuckle to get them out. I had issues with axle in the knuckle, so couldn't replace one side. However I'd replace them, as your 90% there.

I'd regret not doing the tie rods. It would have been bugger all extra work at the time. They didn't need changing, but then I'd know I'd be good pretty much for my ownership life.

Mark Pasieka

do you have pictures of the cracks? curious what these look like.

texas008

My mobile mechanic told me that there are cracks in the rear mount of driver side front lower control arm. He checked all the control arms while he was replacing the starter motor. I did not get under the SUV so i don't have a photo of the crack.
Just received the lower control arms, seems that they are made of cast iron and they are massive and so heavy, maybe 40lb each.