Squeeky...time to replace front suspension parts.

[Matt94GT]

Hey I get a squeek anyways im pretty sure its my balljoints? Its when I turn the steering wheel left. Anyways I want to get 03 Cobra Control arms and im wondering what else I should replace while im in there, im thinking tie-rod ends (since they might be the cause too), outer and inner or what? What to replace them with?

I have MM Coil Overs, Tokico Illumias, MM CC Plates in the front. Also I have offset rack bushings, should I remove these? Any bushings to replace?

Thanks

 

[Javi]

X2 ball joints,03 cobra a-arms and bump steer kit :thumb:

 

[Matt94GT]

iv heard a bumpsteer kit is a waste of time, and interms of X2 balljoints I think id rather just get 03 cobra control arms. thoughts?

 

[ReplicaR]

If there is one thing I really don't like to do is throwing parts at the car with out proper diagnostics done, mostly because that costs a lot of money and you feel bad because you've bought something you did not need at the moment. Get under the car and start lubing parts one by one. Eventually, you will find your suqeek.

 

[Matt94GT]

Oh I know my squeek is my balljoints I lubed them last summer and im sure its them again. So what parts should I get 03 cobra control arms? Whats your thoughts on bumpsteer kit? What about tie-rod ends. Id rather replace them even if they dont need it while im in there since I dont plan on selling the car and im sure they will need replacing in the future anyways.

 

[rgs]

i just threw the cobra arms on my car Matt, pretty happy with em, definately improved the cornering

 

[ReplicaR]

If your tie rod ends were to go bad, you'd hear knocking sound when you change direction from left to right with steering wheel. Another way you can check would be to get under the car, put your hand firmly the tie rod end and try to move it. If you can hear clicking, or if there is a good amount of movement, then tie rid ends need to be replaced. X2 taller balljoints are designed as an alternative to bump steer kit, just like the off set rack bushings. Bumpsteer kit gives you the most adjustability, while the other two are just cheaper ways to patch the problem.

If you think your balljoints need to be replaced, I'd just get new Ford OEM ones, and install them in stock control arms. If you want aftermarket control arms, then don't even bother with 03-04 arms. They are just as heavy as stock ones, and since you already have coil-overs, you might as well do tubular aftermarket peace.

 

[SRT Handz]

You NEED a Bumpsteer Kit.... pick one up pretty cheap.

You can get 03/04 cobra A-Arms but since you have coilovers why dont you get the MM Tubular A-Arms?

 

[Matt94GT]

I know whats squeeking now is my balljoints i just re-greased them.

I do get a slight clunk noise when I wiggle left and right fast while my car is parked with the ignition off (ie no power steering).

whats the benifit to the MM tubular A-Arms? Reason I want 03s is they are the same price for me as getting new ones pressed into my current a-arms and then i get the better turning radius.

 

[SRT Handz]

I know whats squeeking now is my balljoints i just re-greased them.

I do get a slight clunk noise when I wiggle left and right fast while my car is parked with the ignition off (ie no power steering).

whats the benifit to the MM tubular A-Arms? Reason I want 03s is they are the same price for me as getting new ones pressed into my current a-arms and then i get the better turning radius.

The Tubular a arms have even more turning radius than the Cobra A-Arms... plus you can only use the Tubular A arms with coilovers

 

[Javi]

I do get a slight clunk noise when I wiggle left and right fast while my car is parked with the ignition off (ie no power steering).

sound like the tie rods,i had he same problem

 

[ReplicaR]

whats the benifit to the MM tubular A-Arms? Reason I want 03s is they are the same price for me as getting new ones pressed into my current a-arms and then i get the better turning radius.

Off top of my head:

1. They weight less than stock arms. And I know that 7 pound per side or whatever it is difference might not seem like that much, but it's unsprung weight, which has a LOT more effect on handling then removing 14 pounds from the spring part of the car.

2. The bushings that come in those are stiffer than that's in the stock 03-04 Cobra control arm. Stiffer bushings equal less deflection. Less deflection equals faster steering responce, less negative camber loss while under load, and less tramlining effect, therefore more straight line stability.

3. The tubular pieces (Maximum Motorsports ones atleast) are offered with forward offset geometry. This moves the balljoints 3/4 inch forward, therefore extending the wheel base, and giving the car in process better weight distribution.

4. Even if you get 03-04 Cobra arms, and put stiff bushings in them, they don't come with grease fittings like the tubular pieces do. Greasing poly-urethane bushings is part of regular maintanence. Ever try to grease a bushing from the outside? It's not fun.

 

[bany95]

I agree with everything that ReplicaR stated... But figured I'd add my $0.02

The other benefit of the offset MM tubular control arms in the increased Caster, which I belive increases the camber rate (which allows you to run less static camber, and save your tires). Increasing the Caster will also slightly improve your straight line stability.

In regards to the bumpsteer kit, if you don't have the tools to set it up properly (or willing to pay a race shop to do it), you can just as easily make the problem worse.

 

[ReplicaR]

The other benefit of the offset MM tubular control arms in the increased Caster, which I belive increases the camber rate (which allows you to run less static camber, and save your tires). Increasing the Caster will also slightly improve your straight line stability.

Thanks. I knew I forgot something.

 

[Dalamar]

Matt, do you know what bump-steer is?

when you go through dips, does the steering pull any?
check here for a refresher: http://www.miracerros.com/mustang/terminology.htm#bumpsteer



I visually adjusted mine, and the alignment shop ckecked it and it was right on.
So, I'd say it's not that hard to space out & match your A-arm angle.
however, I do have tubular arms, so it's easier to see the pivot angle.

 

[Javi]

Why do people think we need to take the cars to the shop to get parts installed? :wall:


and i second DAL,when you take your car to get the alignment done they will adjust your bumpsteer

 

[Matt94GT]

well when im in town on very worn in wavy roads I do get pulling but I assume that is sorta normal.

 

[rgs]

ya it's the norm.

what width rubber ya got up from matt?

 

[Matt94GT]

265/35/18

 

[rgs]

yaaa they would definately pull a bit