Alignment and Control Arm bushings

[Beleakin]

I am about to buy new tires on my 2002 Qx4, and I needed to have the alignment done first.

I need to point out that the oil cooler had a leak, which was an easy fix, and that is all better.

I knew something was up with the alignment, because the front passenger side tire has been wearing unevenly, and I was living from one used tire to the next on it.(hate using used tires, but money was tight)

I rolled into Tires Plus for an alignment, and two hours later I get a call and they tell me it is bad news, the bushing in the control arm is worn out, and needs to be replaced. The oil leaking from the oil cooler made its way to the rubber bushing and destroyed it, and on the bright side... it doesn't leak anymore...

So anyway, I am now stuck. I tried to get a quote from the Tires Plus guy, but he was more concerned with selling me a package, and he told me he had no clue how much it would cost to replace until they took everything apart. (sounded like a trap)

I read the mechanics notes, it said just this verbatim "Oil leaked from oil cooler onto control arm bushing, bushing is destroyed, replace bushing to complete alignment."

How much does a shop normally charge for fixing this? Is buying the control arm and replacing it my self an option? I am pretty handy as long as I got pictures!

Anyone else had this problem before?
I appreciate anyone's experience and advice.

[ianh]

They have new ones from $46 at rock Auto. I would check ball joint while you are there.

The FSM will help with replacement. Sorry not done this yet on mine so no pictures. Do a search you might get lucky.

[Slumpert]

Seems our control arms are super simple and the labor involved to remove / replace the brushings is more than just replacing them usually.

Only thing keeping this from just being a 3 bolt, 1 ball joint job is on 4WD models needing the axle pulled out some to release the ball joint.