04 XC70 Control Arm

[famfeld]

10 months ago I replaced both front control arms with Lemforder ones from FCP Euro. I have done this job before and feel confident that I did it correctly. I now feel and hear a loud metal to metal binding "clack" that is like metal to metal binding and shifting seemingly coming from the right front control arm when I am backing up out of a parking lot, especially when on a hill. You can actually feel this through the car and it very noticable. Otherwise there is no drivability issue. I have also replaced struts, and ALL front end steering and suspension stuff with OEM or used that have been thoroughly looked over. I have the original control arm and ball joint sitting in my basement that still seem fine and would reinstall that or take advantage of FCP's good warranty. I am a bit concerned that control arm on the side that is not makin noise seems a little more worn than I would like after so little time. Bushings have a bit of play with a pry bar and rubber looks a bit deteriorated. Shouldn't lemforder be good since it's OEM? They appear to be well manufactured just judging visually. Everything has been gone over on the front end prior to this new noise except the sway bar itself (end links are new). Anyone have any experience with this type of thing?

Thanks,

Feld

[oragex]

Can you take a pic of the smaller bushing with the wheel lifted ? It's normal to have some play to it and even to look a bit 'stretched', just don't want to see either multiple tiny cracks (like 'old skin'), or a single larger crack. I don't know about Lemforder full arms, but I know their individually sold bushings are junk

I am only guessing so please don't replace parts only due to my single opinion. I think that 'clack' may rather be caused either by a worn engine mount, or by some internal transmission part (perhaps inside the converter). We also have the bushings on the sway bar that go bad, mines also clicky-clack after driving over steep roads. With one wheel lifted, see how much the bushing on the bar is crushed.

As mentioned, to properly inspect the control arm, look at the small bushing behind the wheel

[famfeld]

OK. Thanks for the info.

[SuperHerman]

My first guess was that one of your sway bar end links were causing the issue. Then you mentioned excessive movement which points to one of your spring seats having failed. You should be able to see this visually and by applying downward force to the shock tower area. Another place to look is the spring as they are known to break - this also would be visible and consistent with your complaints.

As to the Control arm - for the amount of movement you are observing the first place to look is the mounting bolts. Next would be the ball joints.