Dorman control arms (or aftermarket) vs. OEM?
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Dago, CA
2003 cl55 (sold)
Dorman control arms (or aftermarket) vs. OEM?
Will have to be replacing my bushings on the lower control arms in the front. They sell bushing kits, but I could get the whole arm (which includes bushings and ball joints) for about $150 a piece through Dorman, which is about as much as the bushing kit alone. With the whole arm, won't have to pull bushings out, etc. so will save on install. Fleabay has some for about $100 a piece, but made in Turkey and not a whole lot of info on them, so kinda weary. MB list for theirs is about $380 a piece. I figure I will have to replace the ball joints shortly too, so wanted to just get a whole control arm instead. Anyone have experience or feedback on aftermarket control arms.... Dorman or otherwise? Thanks
Last edited by jicl55; Mar 6, 2010 at 04:32 PM.
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
No positive experiences to share regarding Dorman parts - even on minimally-stressed Yankee iron - so I’ll say nothing.
Note the W215 CL’s 215 330 07 07 spring arm does not typically include a ball joint - it’s an integral part of the upright. Its torque arms, 220 330 57 11 (LH) and 220 330 58 11 (RH), are furnished with their ball joints though.
Have fit OEM-supplier Lemförder, Febi Bilstein and Corteco chassis hardware on my German cars with excellent results.
Budget permitting, seems false economy for an enthusiast to skimp on critical suspension components IMHO.
Note the W215 CL’s 215 330 07 07 spring arm does not typically include a ball joint - it’s an integral part of the upright. Its torque arms, 220 330 57 11 (LH) and 220 330 58 11 (RH), are furnished with their ball joints though.
Have fit OEM-supplier Lemförder, Febi Bilstein and Corteco chassis hardware on my German cars with excellent results.
Budget permitting, seems false economy for an enthusiast to skimp on critical suspension components IMHO.
