akingzkid

ok. Gotcha. I appreciate it. I will get to it but I have a few other things that I want to give attention (and money) to first. (i.e. Control arms, tires, power steering pump).

akingzkid

Thanks.

kelisko

Okay.

About the Control Arms, one component that almost made me replace all of them is the sway bar links. Start with those only unless you are sure other components are failing. I've been driving mostly offroad for almost 3 years and the other components are still just fine. I still have the whole OEM suspension kit brand new in its box since 2 years. Either I'm a cautious driver, or these things are very well made.

About the Power Steering Pump, I don't know what's wrong but I'd suggest you check the level of your fluid, and top it off if necessary first. Second I would flush the fluid and if the issues persist you may consider replacing the pump. That reservoir can be a PITA to open though. I had a loud pump at some point. I topped off the fluid and the noise stopped.

akingzkid

Thanks for the good advice. When I got the car I was told by the dealership (as a condition of the purchase) that the "upper links" were bad. I didn't know what that was and had a hard time figuring it out. I asked in this forum and was told that they are the same thing as control arms. I have inspected them and the bushings don't look too bad. Maybe a very slight are where it looks like the rubber is separating from the metal on one or two of them. The issue that I am having that makes me think that I need to replace either them or the "C" shaped thing that I have posted a picture of below. That is the sway bar link right? They have some separation in the rubber from the metal as well. Either the control arms or the sway bar links, or both, I think are the culprits of the wear on the outer edge of my front tires. They are pretty worn but the rest of the tire is not. I don't think it's an alignment (but it could be). I need front tires but want to solve this before I put them on and they start wearing poorly. Your thoughts?

As far as the power steering pump, it makes the humming sound from time to time especially if you turn the wheel all the way to the left or right. The fluid is full and I don't believe it is in poor condition. It could probably be changed just to be on the safe side. But the dealership also told me when I bought the car that it needed to be changed. Maybe they are basing it on it leaking fluid. I have had to add half a bottle of fluid to it shortly after I got the car but it has been retaining the fluid as far as I can tell in the 3 months I have had the car. I can't really tell if/how bad it's leaking because I can't really get down there to inspect the pump without putting the car in the service position and I have not done that. There is plenty of fluid on the bottom of the engine and the plastic belly pan with the foam padding is covered in oil. So, that could be engine oil and power steering fluid. Ugh!! :-)

Thanks for always giving your thoughts. I appreciate it.

kelisko

Oh okay! If the dealership had the car inspected and came down to these conclusions, I have nothing more to say.
I think you can see if your power steering pump is leaking from the bottom of the car.
Pause this video at 0:22 and you can see the power steering pump on the left side of the red arrow, right on top of the AC compressor.

akingzkid

Kelisko,
Thanks for the video link. It's hard to tell where all the oil is coming from. I will need to figure it out one day. I washed the plastic underbelly pan and the under part of the engine yesterday.

Can you read my post again and answer the question I have about the sway bar links? Should I start with them and then the control arms later if I notice uneven wear? Thanks as always.

kelisko

Yes, the C shaped thing is a sway bar link. To be honest, I am not sure what could cause the wear on the outer edge of your front tires. If the vehicle drives well without clunking noises I don't thing you should bother replacing any suspension component yet. I would start with having the alignment checked.

akingzkid

Good advice. No clunking and it drives very well. So, I will get the alignment checked. Just not sure why the dealership told me when I purchased the car that I needed new "upper links" on both sides. I have since found out that upper links are upper control arms. I just can't see anything obvious that is jumping out at me that would indicate that these are bad. The rubber bushings look relatively good and intact. Maybe those are also contributing to the tire wear. I don't know what symptoms the car would be exhibiting if they are bad (loose steering, clunking, tire wear,etc). Ugh.

Nurke

Hi, regarding "upper links"... those are called upper control arms and I have replaced 100s of them, not for rubber part of it but for ball joints getting free play...lift the side up and push/pull the wheel in and out and you will see if there is any play.. Play in those 2 joints will get its toe in/out off, in your case your wheel will pull to the outside...causing outside edge of your time wear out...
Sway bar links keep your wheels down to the ground when turning, they will do its job even with bad rubber, they will be just noisy..sorry Im in rush I just wanted to get you heads up..later I will have more time..

akingzkid

Great info. I will jack each side up and see if there is play in the ball joints on the control arms. I hope there is so I know what is causing the tire wear on the outer edges. If there is play I will replace them and get an alignment. If there is no play, I will go and get an alignment check. Thanks.

Sorry I turned this post into suspension instead of the original Spark Plugs topic.